\0b 



%. 



■'r>{r^:^:. 




.^^ 




Crtm ^;i cat ite4f<i^tfa^ ^ 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESS 



RELATING TO THE 



Early Histohv of Schenectady, 



ITS FIRST SETTLERS. 



delivered at Schetiectady, July Ath, 7876, 



Hon. JOHN SANDERS. 



I'UUIJSIIEI) AT THE hEQUEST OF THE CITIZENS 






ALBANY, N. Y. : 

VAN BENTHUYSEN PRINTING HOUSE. 
1879. 



Entered accorclinK to A.M of Congress, in the year 1879. 
BY JOHN SANDERS, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



ENGEAVINGS. 



Portrait and Autograph of the Author. -fr-ir^'fl^^ 
Portrait and Autograph op Gen. Wm. K. Fuller. U. I ^/T" 
Portrait and Autograph op Hon. Peter Rowe. h ■ ^>-^ ^ 



f 



PR EFACE 



The Centennial Anniversary of our National Independence 
was conniieniorated at Schenectady by patriotic services, and 
a disphiy fitting tlie occasion. The address was, in ptirt, 
delivered on that occasion by its author, in the presence of a 
vast assemblage of citizens. At the close of the address, the 
following resolution was proposed and unanimously adopted : 

'- Resolved, That the thanks of the citizens of the city and 
county of Schenectady are due and tendered to the Hon. 
John Sanders for the eloquent, interesting, and instructive 
address to which we have just listened ; and, understanding 
that it is but a portion of the mass of material which its ven- 
erable and honored author has accumulated, we hereby invite 
him to extend it to such hmits as he may deem interesting 
and practicable, to the end that it may be published and 
preserved as a lasting memorial of our early history." 

In compliance Avith this request, the author presents the 
following address. He does not claim that it is a complete 
history, but it contains facts wliich seem to him worthy of 
narration and preservation, man)' of which, resting in tradi- 
tion, will soon pass into oblivion unless soon preserved. 

Its preparation, during hours not taken up with business 
and professional cares, has been to him a labor of love ; and, 
in the hope that it may not be uninteresting to those who so 
kindly lU'ged him to prepare it, he yields to their retpiest, 
and commits it to the " art preservative of arts." 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Introductory part of the Address ._.--- Page 1. 

CHAPTER 11. 

Causes that led to the early settlement of Schenectady— Fort Orange in 
1661 and uj) to that period was the frontier town of New Netherlands — 
The Pi-ovince, in 1646, contained only about 2,500 inhabitants — Bever- 
wyck (now Albany) contained ten dwelhng-houses — Descnption of its 
Court-house in 1656 — Jealousies between the Directors of the West India 
Company and the Pati-oons of New Netherlands— Colonel Peter Stuy ve- 
sant ami Bi-andt Arent Van Slecktenhorst the respective champions — 
These conflicts, with their double burthens, oppressive to the settlers of 
Fort Oi-ange and Beverwyck — Some of the best settlers resolved to 
escape from the feudal tenures and restrictions — The Mohawks opened 
a way, and how — In 1630 they had five castles — Arent Van Curler's peti- 
tion to Governor Stuyvesant, 18th July, 1661— On the 21st, permission 
given, handed down with restrictions — Purchase made the 27th— Title 
not confirmed until April 6th, 1662, nor land allowed to be surveyed 
until 1664, ---------- Page 2. 



CHAPTER III. 

Reasons of the early and long-continued partiality of the Mohawks for the 
Dutch Colonists — Catskill creek was the southern boundary line of their 
territory — They held the easteni portion of the possessions of the great 
Iroquois Coufedei-acy (the gateway of the Mohawk Valley) — Who were 
the Mohawks— They had always been victorious— But a change came 
over them— Samuel De Champlain— Hendrick Hudson — There was an 
overslaugh in 1609 — Cohoes then deemed head of navigation— White 
families were settled at Schenectady as early as 1658, under the auspices 
of the Mohawks— Mohawk gratitude to the Dutch, and its cause— The 
Five Nations of the Iroquois were at war with the powerful Hurons 
and Algonquins of Canada— Champlain fui-nished the latter with men 
and fire-arms— The results— The Dutch came to the rescue of the 
Iroquois— Attachment unbroken until the destruction of Schenectady 
by the Caughnawaga. Mohawks and Fi-ench in 1690 — With the re- 
covery of powei- the Mohawks, especially, became arbitrary, insolent 
and ferocious— Illustrations— Rejisons for particularity aliout the Mo- 
hawks, ---------- Page 12. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Schenectady, upon an actual survey, was laid out compactly and with 
great regularity as a frontier point, aiming- at mutual defense and safety 
— The original plat embraced only the ground extending from the Mairi 
Binnekill. on the west, to what is now the east side of Ferry street, on the 
east; and from the Mohawk river on the north, to the line of the low- 
lands on the south, including a small portion of the Flats — This area they 
carefully fortified with stockades— The streets were laid out wide and at 
right angles ; were within the palisades, and were named respectively^ 
(see woi'k for original names and several changes) — Division of lots 
among the proprietors, and subsequent subdivisions, - Page 18. 



CHAPTER V. 

The tifteen original proprietors of Schenectady, and their descendants, for 
the first one hundred and fifty years after its settlement : First named, 
Arent Van Curler — Second named, PJiilip Hendrickse Brower — Third 
named, Alexander Lindsey Gle7i — Fourth named, Shtion Volkertse Veeder 
(name of Ryer Schermerhorn inti-oduced in connection here) ; family of 
/Simon Volckerfse Veedei'^s line resinned — Fifth named proprietor. Swear 
Teunise Van Velsen — Sixth named, Peter Adriance — Seventh named, Cor- 
nelms Antonisen Van Slyck— 'Eighth named, Oerrit £ancker—l:iinih 
named, William Teller — Tenth named, Bastian Be Wintefic — Eleventh 
named, Bastian Be Winter as attorney of Catalina Bradt — Twelfth 
named, Peter Banielse Van Olinda — Thirteenth named, Peter Jacobse 
Borsboom — Fourteenth named, Jan Barentse Weiwp — Fifteenth named, 
was Jacqiies Cornelise Van Slyck, ----- Page 21. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Early settlers who were not proprietors, with the time of their settlement 
arranged in order of settlement chi-onologically, and their descendants 
noted under the ancestral head: Harmnn Alhertse Veeder, settled in 
16(33 ; was sheriff of the village — iSymon Symonse Groot, settled in 1663 ; 
was nncestor of all the Groots — Jan /Spoor, killed in 1690 ; settled in 1664 — 
,/ii//((///ies Van Bps, set ted in 1664 ; carried caj^tive to Canada — Teunisse 
( 'i/fi/d'isse Swart, settled in 1664 ; the common ancestor — Class Fredei'- 
ickse Van Patten, settled in 1664— /.saac Swits, settled in l&Qi—JohanMes 
Putman, settled in 1664 ; killed in 1690 — Jan Janse Jonckers, settled in 
166.5 — Martin CorneliK.se Ycsselsti///, settled in lijijG—JIe/idrirkse Lam- 
hertseBent, settled in 1666 — Job// Apph. settled in 1668— Jl'/VZ/Vn/; Apple, 
settled in l^i^'ti—Gyshert Gerrit.sv \'u/i. B/akd, settled in HjdS— Be /ijam'm 
Roberts, settled in 1()69— ./cm Rinckhoat settled in 1669— iiVias Van 
Guysling, settled in 1670 — Paidus Jansen, settled in 1670 — Isaac Truax, 



CONTENTS. ix 

settled in IQIO—Bcmiel Janse Van Antwerpen, settled in 1670 — Hans 
Janse Eenkluys, settled in 1670 ; old Dutch officer— (?m-l^ Class KuUer- 
man, settled in 1670— Jaco&ws Peek, settled in l&lO—John Roelafsen, 
settled in 1670— Jb?'is Aeartse Van Ber Baast, settled in 1^10—Barent 
Janse^Van Bitmars, settled in 1610~Ca.pt. Martinus Krigier (Ci-igier), 
settled in 1612— Christian Christiance, settled in 1611— Christoff else 
Bavids, settled in 1612— Birk Hesselinrj, settled in 1672— /a?i Garretsen 
Van Menken, settled in 167B ; s\\er\S—Rynler /Schaats, settled in 1675— 
Hendrick Mease Vroovian, eetlled in 1677— French account of the sacking- 
of Schenectady in 1690— Adam Vrooman's residence ; his place of inter- 
ment — Ludumcus Cobes, settled in 1677 — Bavid Marinus, settled in 1680 
—Frans Van Berbogert, settled in 1680— Carl Hanse Toll, settled in 1684 
—Jan Pieterse Mebie, settled in 1684 — John Kleyn, settled in 1684— 
Bmanuel Consaul, settled in 1684- ^e?io?« Van Hock, settled in 1684— 
Johannis date, settled in 1684— CZas.s- Lowrense Van Ber Volgen, settled 
in 16%6— Frederick Clute, settled in 1703 ; a distinct family from Johannis 
—Gerrit Marselis, settled in 16^1— Ahasueras Mer sells, setted in 1698; a 
b]-other oi Gervii— Frederick Gerritse, settled in 16S1— Class Andrlese Be 
Graff, settled in 16SS—Teumse Carstensen, settled in 168%— Philip 
Philipse, settled in 168'^— Cornelius mingerland, settled in 1689— 6'e?'ar- 
dus Camberfort, settled in 16^0— Jonathan Stevens, settled in 1693— 
Jacobus Van Byck, settled in 16M— William Hall, settled in 16%f)— John 
Byer, settled in 1695— Johannes Ouderkirk, settled in 1695— Casparus 
Sjyr-ingsteen, settled in 1695— Thomas Smith, settled in 1696— Martin 
Van Jinitlniysfu. settled in 1696— Jeremiah Tlckston, settled in 1697— 
Miiiniiisrl, si.rhirry, settled in 1699— Glflls Van Vorst, settled in 1699— 
J(>//((iijiis MyiKhrse, settled in 1100— Jellis Fonda, settled in 1700— 
Johannes Quackenbos, settled in 1100— Tliomas Bavids, settled in 1700— 
Philip Besie, settled in 1102— Jurian Rinckhout, settled in 1102— Caleb 
Beck, settled in llO'i— Jacobus Cromwell, settled in 1703— Zsaac Van 
Valkenburgh, settled in 1705— Pe^er Clement, settled in 1101— Joseph 
Clement, settled in 1101— Class Gerretse Van Vranken, settled in 1709— 
FJldert Tymesen, settled in 1109— Robert Yates, settled in 1111— Joseph 
Bracham, settled in llll— Abraham Lighthall, settled in 1719— aS'^. John 
Steers, settled in 1120— Johannes Fairly, settled in 1724— Pefer Feeling, 
settled in 1124— William Barret, settled in 1124— William Peters, set- 
tled in 1725— William Bancker, settled in 1126—Fllas Post, settled in 
1129—Jo7in Bunbar, settled in ll'iO-Johannes Heemstreet, settled in 
1T60—John Barheyt, settled in llM— Nicholas Visscher, settled in 1734 
— John Belamont, settled in 1735 — Adam Conde, settled in 1736 — Wessel 
Wessels, settled in 1140— Philip Ryley, settled in 1142— Hendrick Corl, 
settled in 1145— Reuben Horsford, settled in 1145— Robert Shannon, set- 
tled in 1150— Tobias Ten Eyck, settled in 1750— 7oM W. Brown, settled 
in 1151— Baniel Campbell, settled in 1154— John Baptist Wandell, set- 
tled in 1154—Ernestus Spitzer, settled in 1755 — Johji Buncan, settled in 
1155— William Adams, settled in 1151— Birk Van Ingen, settled in 1759 
—Abraham Oathout,sett\ed in 1159— John Munro,»ett]ed in 1160— Joachim 
Kittle, settled in 1162— Lmac Rosa, settled in 1163— Samuel Tyms, set- 
tled in 116'd— Samuel Fuller, settled in I16'd—A7idrew Mitchell, settled in 
1164— Hon. Peter Roioe, a shoi't biography of, - - - Page 69. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VII. 

A return to Schenectady's early days — More pasture land wanted— New 
application to the Mohawks — By them a tract was granted, twelve miles 
long by eight wide, July Bd, 1672, to Alexander Lindsey Glen and others, 
as trustees — This grant was confirmed by Governor Dongan in 1684 — 
Five trustees were appointed : William Teller, P^yer Schermei-horn, Jan 
Van Eps, Swear Teunisen, and Myndert Wemp — In 1G92, Ryer Schei-- 
merhorn was the sole survivor — In 1705, complaints were made against 
him — -April 16th, 1705, a new patent was granted by Governor Corn- 
bury, appointing Peter Schuyler, John Alexander Glen, Adam Vrooman, 
Daniel Johnson, and John Baptist Van Eps trustees — But to quiet dis- 
content, another patent was issued, November 6th, 1714, superseding 
the trustees appointed in 1705, and placing in their stead, Ryer Scher- 
merhorn, Johannes Teller, John Wemp, Arent Bradt, and Barent Wemp 
(see certified copy of patent. Appendix "B")— Of these. Arent Bnidt was the 
sole survivor in 1749 — Bradt died in 1767, having made a will designating 
his successors (see certified copy of will, Appendix "C") — These suc- 
cessors continued as such trustees until a city charter was granted to 
Schenectady in 1798 — Schenectady was erected a borough 23d October, 
1765 — Its first mayor and recorder — Officers and representatives of the 
olden time — Area of Schenectady when created a city — Mayors. 

Page 209. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The area of Schenectady too large for the mutual convenience and interest 
of its urban and country population — Inhabitants unanimously petition 
for partition — Act passed April 14th, 1820 — Commissioners were ap- 
pointed, and division took place — Cutting off the two country wards 
diminishes the city population 3,000, a seeming I'etrograde — The separ- 
ation has })roved mutually beneficial — Schenectady has suffered much 
in its early days — Was destroyed by the French and Indians in 1690 — 
The circumstances — Garrison at the old Fort — Lieut. Enos Talmage — 
Different accounts — That of Monsieur De Monseignet the most full and 
reliable — John Alexander Glen, Simon Schermerhoin, Monsieur Le 
Moyne, De Iberville— The great Agnier— The city house of John Alex- 
ander Glen saved by express order — Adam Vrooman — Beakendal mas- 
sacre of 1748 — Particulars— Colonel Jacob Glen — Sir William Johnson. 

Page 216. 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Revolutionary battle-fields of the North have been long neglected by- 
its sons— But ex-Governor Seymour, Judge William W. Campbell and 
Jeptha R. Sims, Esq., have come to the rescue — Oriskany was the most 
sanguinaiy battle of the Revolution — The Stai' Spangled Banner was 
first victorious thei-e— Its heroes were descendants of the Hollancl Dutch 



CONTENTS. XI 

and the hardy Palatinates — Account of the battle under dreadfully ad- 
verse circumstances — Only three skeleton regiments, commanded respec- 
tively by Colonels Cox, Belling-er and Visscher — Mary Brandt had, by 
messengers, appi'ised St. Leger of every movement — She was the 
mother of three of Sir William Johnson's children — General Nicholas 
Herkimer— Major John Isenlord — Lieut.-Colonel Marinus Willett's sally 
from Fort Stanwix — Thomas Spencer — Major John Frey — Colonel John 
Butler, Joseph Brandt, and Major Watts, a brother-in-law of Sir John 
Johnson, led the deadly ambuscade and oft-repeated murderous attacks 
— Captain Barent Gardenier — General Barry St. Leger — Losses of Her- 
kimer's command — Losses of the enemy — Surgeon Moses Younglove — 
Major Klepsettle— Major Van Slyck — The Snells and the Lashers of 
Oriskany— Comparison of Oriskany with other battles of the Revolution. 

Page 229. 

CHAPTER X. 

Besides its already-stated frontier disasters, Schenectady was desolated 
by a sweeping fire in 1819 — Its extent and effects — Erie canal — Rail- 
roads — Beautiful views — Schenectady as it existed in 1800-1810 — Scotia 
dyke — Mohawk turnpike — Mohawk bridge — Theodore Burr — Washing- 
ton street and the main Binnekill previous to 1819 — The Mohawk river 
above the bridge ; its changes and causes — Durham boats — Busy scenes 
on the Binnekill during the War of 1812 — Portage of sixteen miles to 
Albany — Difficulties of navigating the Mohawk — Sixth Flats rift — Fort 
Hunter i-ift — Caughnawaga rift — Keators rift — Brandywine rift — Ehle's 
rift — The Little Falls — Bateaus — How worked — Carrying-place from 
Foi't Stanwix to Wood ci-eek — Oneida lake, Oswego river, Oswego, Lake 
Ontario, Niagara, Detroit, Mackinaw — Locks at Little Falls comjileted 
in 1795 — Packet boats on the Mohawk, - - - . Page 243. 



CHAPTEE XI. 

The channel of the Mohawk changed since 1820 — Its appearance then and 
now — Platte island — William Leonard — Colonel Winfield Scott — Camping 
ground — Causes of change — Binnekill remains as ever — After the cap- 
ture of Niagara, Oswego, Ticonderoga, Crown Point and Quebec, in 
1759, Schenectady became an important trading and commercial jioint — • 
Distinguished merchants from Montreal and London settled there — John 
Duncan, James Phyer, and others — Its trade became extensive and far- 
reaching — -Names of some of them — Schenectady of the present day is 
before my readers, and needs no embellishment from my pen. 

Page 248. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Schenectady of the olden time ; its architecture, houses, comforts, social 
enjoyments, and traveling facilities — Atrip to Fort Oi-ange occupied two 
days— Access to New Amsterdam and the outside world — Illustrations — 
A canoe was the means of rapid and certain conveyance^ — In summer, 



:il CONTENTS. 

the mail was carried on horseback ; in winter, on foot — First mail re- 
ceived at Schenectady, 3d April, 1763— The old post-road between New 
York and Albany a relief— First stag-e-wag-ons in 1785 — Isaac VanWyck 
— Tallniag-e Hall— John Kinney— Their oblig-ations— Particulars of trips 
— In 1807, steam came to the rescue— The stag-e-coach was a rude con- 
veyance until thorough-braces were introduced about 1818 — Albany 
became the line of western travel — Moses Beal — Givens' Hotel — John 
Hudson— John Rogers — In 1794, there were five great post-routes cen- 
tering in Albany — Their designations— Thomas Powell— Aaron Thorpe 
— Asa Spi-ague — Steam power has destroyed staging— Befoi-e 1819, 
wagon-making and boat-building were great employments at Schenec- 
tady — Some details^The citizens now operate in other channels. 

Pag-e 250. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

From its earliest settlement, until 1670, the citizens of Schenectady attended 
church at Albany— But from that time to 1680, occasional services were 
held at pi-ivate dwellings by supplies fi-om Albany — At that time a 
Dutch Refoi-med congregation was organized, and a church building 
ei-ected in 1682— This church was burned in 1690 — Its location— A new 
church was erected on the same site in 1702, remained to 1733, when it 
was taken down and a new church erected at the junction of Union and 
Church streets, which was also taken down in 1814 — Another church 
wasei-ected on the parsonage lot adjoining, which was destroyed in 1861 
by fire, and on the site of its i-uins the present elegant and noble church 
edifice was erected — This oi-ganization was among the oldest churches 
in our State, and is the parent of several churches, offshoots — Her pas- 
toi-s — The second oldest denomination is St. George's Pi-otestant Episcopal 
church, organized in 1735 — Its building commenced in 1762, completed 
in 1766 — Its history — Its rectors— - jTAp third oldest denoia'matlon is the 
Presbyterian, first mentioned as existing here in 1762 — Its first meeting- 
house was raised June 1st and 2d, 1770, and the structure completed in 
1771 by Samuel Fuller — Its history — Its i>astors — The fourth oldest de- 
nomination is the Methodist Episcopal — Its first small beginning was in 
1767 — Its interesting rise, jirogress and history — Captain Thomas Webb 
— Rev. Geoi-ge "Whitefield — -Its ministers — The fifth oldest church denoiai- 
nation was the Baptist, and was established November 21st, 1822, with 
thirty-six members — Its history, trials and success — Its pastors — There 
are ten other churches of various denominations (see work). - Page 258. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Washington's three visits to Schenectady ; their occasions and their inter- 
esting incidents — John Glen — Henry Glen — John Sand(irs, Sr. — Robert 
Clinch — Col. Abi-aham Wemple — Colonel Frederick Visscher — Dinner 
and addi-ess to Washington — His reply — Thomas B. Clinch — Governor 
Geoi'ge Clinton — General Hand and other oliicci's of the New York line. 

Page 273. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Pati'iotism of the citizens of Schenectady dui-ing the Revolutionary War — 
The first gun tired and blood spilled in the Revolution was at Lexington, 
AprU 19th, 1775 — Schenectady committee of correspondence, etc., formed 
May 6th of the same year — Their place of meeting — -Whom it consisted 
of — Interesting extracts from book of committee — First company raised 
for Continental service, May 29th, 1775 — Its officers — -Committee furnish 
Colonel Visscher, of Tryon county, with two hundred pounds of lead 
balls, probably the lead used at Oriskany — Daniel Campbell and Alex- 
ander Ellice cited before committee, with many others— Scarcity of gun- 
powder, and order about waste on holidays — Raise, December 14th, 
1775, £73 for the relief of the poor of Boston — Stringent measures against 
spies and extortion — Great eftbrts made to sustain Continental money — 
The results, --------- Pao-e 275. 



CHAPTER XYI. 

The county of Schenectady was organized March 7th,1809, from the west- 
ern portion of Albany county, and embi-aced no portion of the manor of 
Rensselaerwyck — Its bounds are well known in this community, and so 
much has been already written about the city itself, and its original 
third and fourth wards, now the towns of Rottei-dam and Glenville, that 
I shall here only continuously and historically treat of its remaining 
towns, Niskayuna, Pr'mcetown and Duaneshurgh — Under the head of 
Niskayuna, I draw attention to its noted citizen, Capt. Martin Krygier — 
Pr'mcetoion was oi-ganized March 20th, 1798, and was named after John 
Prince, then a member of Assembly residing at Schenectady — Duanes- 
hurgh was erected as a townshix"*, by patent, March 13th, 1765, but was 
first reorganized as a town March 22d, 1788 — It was named after the 
Hon. James Duane, its principal proprietor — Early history of the town 
— The old proprietor is interred in his family vault there — Reminiscences 
of his life and distinguished services — In this connection it seems appro- 
l)riate to make some mention of our noble dead : Robert Yates (father 
of the versatile and talented John Van Ness Yates) ; Joseph C. Yates ; 
Doctor Eliphalet Nott ; Judge Paige ; John Wells ; Cornelius Van 
Dyck ; Major John Thornton ; Major Jellis J . Fonda ; Capt. William 
McGinnis and Lieut. Jonathan Stevens — Judge Piatt Potter and Judge 
Landon are still with us, but my school of thought forbids me to laud 
the living, -- Page 287. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Closing remarks and explanatory note - - _ . Page 291. 



CONTENTS. 



APPENDIX. 

Page. 

Appendix A----------- 297 

Appendix B---------- 313 

Appendix C ----------- 324 

Appendix D - - - - 329 

Appendix E ----------- 330 



HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY, 



CHAPTER I. 

Address. 

Fellow-Citizens of Schenectady : 

Somewhat moved by the resolution of Congress and 
President Grant's prochiniation of 25th May last, requesting 
the people of the several States to assemble in their several 
counties or towns on the approaching Centennial Anniversary 
of our National Independence, and cause to have delivered on 
such day an historical sketch of said county or town from its 
foundation, but still more moved by the sacred associations of 
the day, and the complimentary manner in which many prom- 
inent citizens of the county of Schenectady have pressed upon 
me the performance of this duty, as a descendant from one of 
Schenectady's earliest pioneers, and an aged native of its 
soil, I have reluctantly consented to attempt the historical 
task. 

True, 

"It is pleasant to rove o'er history's page ; 
Recall the hero and the sag-e ; 
Revive the actions of the dead, 
And memory of ages fled." 

But, in this particular case — well knowing the trials, jeal- 
ousies, impositions and hardships to Avhich this infant frontier 
settlement Avas subjected, how limited the materials for a 
local history generally is, and through the burning of their 
church cdilice in 1690, where, according to tradition, the 



2 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

early records of the place were kept (it being used in that 
primitive day both as a place of worship and town hall) — I 
find my data so widely scattered and illy arranged, that I 
shall do the brave, hardy, adventurous old pioneer settlers 
but feeble justice, unless, as President Grant requests, we 
commence at the foundation. For I claim, as will be appa- 
rent before my close, that those early settlers were among 
the most high-spirited, independent and fearless souls that 
ever emigrated from brave little Protestant Holland to the 
New Netherlands. 

I cannot manufacture history; I can only collate such 
parts as are pertinent to my subject, and occasionally furnish 
traditions, derived from old and high authority, which may 
interest some at present, and be of much value to posterity. 
And if a substantially correct history of this old frontier 
point is left to the rising generation and those who follow, I 
shall be content. 



CHAPTER II. 
Early Settlement, 

Sehenectady ivas an off-shoot (I am unwilling to sa}-, under 
the circumstances, she was a daughter) of Albany ; and in 
honor of the old intrepid, brave pioneer emigrants to the far 
West, as the Mohawk Valley was then called, the following 
statement shews wh}^ they parted company with their mono- 
polizing, fur-trading, nominal mother, to breathe the air of 
freedom, beyond the limits of Fort Orange (the West India 
Company's trading post), and the exacting colony of Rensse- 
laer wyck. 

Fort Orange or Bevenoyck (now called Albany) was per- 
manently settled in 1623 ; but divers traders in Holland set 
about establishing trade at Fort Orange as early as 1614, 
and they obtained a charter from the States General at the 
Hague to trade to New Netherlands, to the exclusion of all 
others. (Doc. His. of N. Y., Vol. 4. p. 115. etc.) 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 6 

Strange mode of colonizing a newly-discovered and rich 
country ; yet, as shewn in this case and in Guiana and Java, 
little Holland — brave, hospital)le, generous, and almost invin- 
cible at home — in her foreign policies was only a grasping 
merchant. 

Fort Orange, in 1661, and up to that period, was the 
frontier-town of the northern and western borders of the 
province of New Netherlands. Beyond that all was " the 
far wesl,^^ little known, and less explored, wholly abandoned 
to the wild savage and roving animals of the chase. But 
civilization, that great power before whose mighty tread 
savages and all brute creation were fated alike to disappear, 
and which was not to rest, and has never paused, until now 
it bathes its feet in the great waters of the mighty Pacitic 
ocean, was about to take another step westward, from Fort 
Orange to the fertile lands of Schenectady — 18 miles off 
towards the coarse of the setting sun. 

This was a great bound for that day of small trading poli- 
cies, and affords a volume of tribute to the hardihood, 
intrepidity, and daring of our pioneer ancestors. They seem 
to have been well fitted to struggle with the policies and 
disadvantages of that early day, for history assures us that 
the early proprietors and rulers of the New Netherlands 
were sim[)ly merchants, traders and speculators ; by no 
means " Saints or Martyrs," driven from home by religious 
intolerance and persecution, and carving out for themselves, 
their descendants and their successors, new homes in a stub- 
born wilderness, with steady perseverance, earnest labor and 
unhesitating faith, like their eastern colonial neighbors. 
And I am free to say, that the trading, speculating policies 
of those early proprietors operated with such disastrous 
effect upon the energies of those who felt disi)osed to make 
advance in civilization and substantial fortune, that in 1646, 
at the termination of the administration of Governor Kieft, 
and 32 years after the building of forts Orange and 
Amsterdam, the population, comprising all who came under 
title of the ''OommoiiaUy of New Amsterdam,'' amounted to 
a total of 2,500 souls ; allowing, as is probable, that Fort 



4 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Orange, Eeiisselaerwyck, and the few settlements on Long 
Island, contained 400 more, we are jnstiticd in estimating 
the whole population of the New Netherlands on that date 
at about 3,000 souls. At the same time the population of 
New England was estimated at and believed to be between 
50,000 and H0,000. (Hoi. Doc. Ill, p. -669.) 

Beverwyck (Albany), that now in 1876 contains about 
90,000 inhabitants, held in 164G only 10 dwelling-houses. 
The country between liensselaerwyck and the Manhattans 
still remained a wilderness. (O'CaUaghan's His. N. Nether- 
lands, pp. 386-390.) 

We are informed, on high authority, and here mention it 
as an illustration of the progress of that fur-trading people, 
that so late as September, 1656, when Johannes La Montague 
was Vice-Director of Fort Orange (the officer who afterwards, 
in 1661, certified the Indian title for the Flats at Schenec- 
tady to Arent Van Curler, on behalf of himself and others, 
as will be stated hereafter,) that official's house was an old 
building situated within the fort, 27 feet long by 17 wide, 
and two stories high, constructed of boards one inch thick, 
and a roof covered with old shingles, and imder this house 
was a cellar. The first floor was divided into two compart- 
ments ; at the north end was a room 17 feet broad, and at 
the south end an ante-room 10 feet wide. The space on the 
second floor was one undivided room, directly under the roof, 
without a chiianey, to which room access was had by a straight 
ladder, through a trap-do n: In this room the magistrates 
administered justice, and this building was the Court-House 
at Fort Orange 33 years after its permanent settlement. 

This hick of progress exhibits, to one of Dutch descent, 
anything l)ut pleasant reflections ; yet the result could not 
well be otherwise ; it was the natural consequence of the sys- 
tem of governmental mismanagement of which New Nether- 
lands was the victim, and illustrates to statesmen the whole- 
some truth, as uttered by the learned and i)rofound Adam 
Smith, "that as the government of an exclusive mercantile 
company is the worst of all governments for any country, so 
colonies can never be fostered or provided for by conniiercial 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. D 

monopolies or privileged associations." (Smith's Wealth of 
Nations, Vol. 2, p. 64.) 

View, for a moment, this avaricious commercial management. 
The first 13 j'ears after the discovery of this choicest section 
of the American continent, it was abandoned to the rare 
visits of a few private trading ships, which came for the mere 
pnrpose of taking away the furs that their agents had col- 
lected at Forts Orange and Amsterdam. And again, when, 
in 1623, the West India Company became incorporated, this 
miserable system of commercial mismanagement was not 
altered, and all gains made here were sivept away into the 
coffers of the thrifty merchants of Holland. 

During the administrations of Minuit and Van Twiller, so 
exceedingly was everylH)dy absorbed in the Indian trade, and 
employed as agents under the control of the West India 
Company and Patroons, and so little was agriculture and its 
connected industries fostered or attended to, that the colonists 
depended almost wholly on the parent country for supplies, 
even to the importation of l^rick for the construction of their 
buiklings — brought from Holland generally as ship ballast. 

The English settlers adopted a wiser system; their country 
soon became inhal)ited by industrious citizens, and full of 
energy, who, stimulated by the freedom of trade which they 
enjoyed, and unfettered hy the special privileges of lordly 
manors and commercial nu)nopolies, soon spread themselves 
abroad with mighty wings, and became a power in the land, 
eventually culminating in the American Revolution, the glo- 
rious Centennial of which 43,000,000 of free people, from the 
Athmtic to the Pacific, from the British possessions to the 
Gulf of Mexico, celebrate, as the elder Adams declared " the 
4th of July of every year would be celel)rated," with every 
possible demonstration of powder, bonfires, pomp, eloquence 
and rejoicings. 

The limits appropriate to this occasion will not permit me 
to follow the early and late struggles between the Directors 
of the West India Company, who held Fort Orange^ and the 
Patroons of Rensselaerwyck, who held Beverwych and the 
Colonic. 



6 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

From the moment colonies begun to be planted by the 
Patroons in New Netherlands, the Directors of the West 
India Company became jealous of their existence, opposed 
their continuance, and, in the prosecution of their policy, 
endeavored to induce the Patroon of Rensselaerwyck to cede 
to them his rights, privileges and possessions; but, having 
failed in effecting this, they determined to circumscribe a 
jurisdiction and weaken a power they could not buy off, yet 
Avished to destroy. 

Col. Peter Stuyvesant, Director-General of the West India 
Company, and Brandt Van Sleddenhorst, a determined and 
intellio:ent Hollander, who was Director of the Eensselaer- 
wyck Colony, were the champions of these hostile interests 
and opposing views. The former claimed to be the superior 
ruler of the whole country, irrespective of the special rights 
and feudal privileges granted to the local authorities of inde- 
pendent iiefs, and the respective chiefs fulminated their pro- 
clamations with terrific energy and temper. Nor was Van 
Slechtenhorst, backed up as he was by Van Rensselaer, Van 
Curler, Glen, the Ten Broecks, Schuylcrs, Sanders, Van 
Vechtens, and some other early settlers of Beverwyck; and, 
with the sympathies of the Mohawks, " a foeman unworthy 
of the irritable, gallant, and able Stuyvesant's mettle; " indeed, 
the friends of Stuy vesant insist that Van Slechtenhorst was a 
man of ^'■stubborn and head-strong temper.'^ 

It is but an item, yet as slightly illustrating the conflict of 
jurisdiction between the adherents of the Director-General 
and those of the Patroon of Rensselaerwyck, with the exac- 
tions and disorders of those early times, which so much 
annoyed our pioneers, I introduce an example given by 
O'CaUaghan, Vol. 2, p. 180, thus : 

" A neigress belonging to Sander Leendertse Glen, charged 
with theft, caused several ' decent persons ' to be prosecuted 
as receivers of stolen goods. She was ordered to be arrested 
for delamation, and Dycknian (Connnissary, Commandant at 
Fort Orang(!), proceeded to take up the wench. Her master 
refused to surrender her that evening. Dyckman, ofl'ended at 
this, told the burgher that he had power to send him and all 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 7 

his family to jail, to pull his house down about his ears, and 
trample it luiderueath his feet, ' as it was erected on the com- 
jjani/s soiV 1 have nothing to do with you/ replied Glen; 
' I cannot serve a new master until I am discharged from the 
one I live under ' (meaning the Patroon of Rensselaer wyck). 
The Commissary threatened him with Stuyvesant, but Glen 
thought he should fare as well at Stuyvesant's hands as he. 
This overthrew Dyckman's temper ; he drew his rapier, and 
threatened to run his adversary through, but Glen fearlessly 
seized a dab to repel his assailant, who then prudently 
retired." 

This Glen Avas an early emigrant to New Netherlands, and 
one of the original pioneer settlers of Schenectadj', and it 
seems well that of such brave materials the original pioneer 
settlers were framed, fitted for the hardships and trials of a 
frontier life, which they and their descendants subsequently so 
severely ex[)ericnced. 

This state of misgovernment, distress and confused disor- 
der continuing, with many oppressions and disabilities 
imposed upon the sparsely-settled and suffering people, by 
both the West India Company and the Patroon's govern- 
ment, some of the best settlers of Fort Orange and Bever- 
wyck, bearing their double burthens with great impatience, 
they were anxious especially to escape from the feudal tenures 
and trading restrictions of the manor of Eensselaerwyck, 
when an opening seemed providentially made to place them 
beyond the contines of the manor, under the following cir- 
cumstances. 

The proximity of the whites had exhausted the hunting 
resources of the Indians in the neighborhood of Beverwyck 
and their castle at Schenectady. Furs were there becoming 
scarce, and the soil was no longer of special value to them, 
whose life-occupation was the chase. It was ascertained, on 
this ground, that the natives were Avilling to sell for a mod- 
erate price their Great Flats, west of Fort Orange, ''towards 
the interior of the coimtrt/.^' 

Those Flats and Islands, say the Indian traditions, which 
is borne out by the declarations of the earliest white settlers, 



8 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

htiiided down to their descendants, were all cleared as and 
when the pioneer settlers found them, and had been cnlti- 
vated l)y the Mohawks for successive generations — how 
many centuries cannot now be determined, as 1 can tind no 
data settling when the Mohawks lirst occupied this beautiful 
valley ; but in their continued and productive cultivation, 
even at the present day, these low lands exhibit a fertility 
only ecpialed by the deep molds of the Nile, the ^Mississippi 
and the Ganges. 

As the Mohawks Avere the original owners of the soil — 
which is now the beautiful site of our city, and where this 
monument, at whose base we now are, has been erected, in 
commemoration of the Union Ave hail to-day — they, too, 
have been identified Avith its earliest and latest history, both 
in weal and woe ; therefore, I feel at liberty to mention that 
proud and remarkable peojjle in this connection, and to state 
as a matter of history, sustained by long-established tradi- 
tions, that in 1630, the MohaAvks had five castles : 1st. Mone- 
mias castle (a leading chief of that day), situated on an 
island at the mouth of the Mohawk river. 2d. A castle at 
Schenectady. 3d. Another at the outlet of Schoharie creek, 
uoAv called Fort Hunter. 4th. A castle at Caughnawaga, in 
the present town of Mohawk ; and 5th. Their upper and 
great castle, called " Canajoharie,'''' now in the toAvn of Dan- 
ube, Herkimer county, Avhere the admirable and distinguished 
Avarrior King Hendrick and his great civilian brother, Abra- 
ham, in aftertimes made their home. 

Of these, first their castle at the mouth of the Mohawk 
river, and then their castle at Schenectady, Avere abandoned, 
and the lands sold ; and in 1671, just ten years after the per- 
manent settlement of Schenectady, the MohaAvks of the third 
castle, Caughnawaga^ having become Roman Catholics, in a 
body accompanied their priests to and settled in Canada, at a 
point still called Caughnawaga, not far from Montreal ; so that 
after the yejw 1672, the Mohawks had only two castles in 
their lovely valley — their lower castle at the month of the 
Schoharie creek, and their great u[)per castle and cai)ital seat 
called " Canajohaiier 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 9 

It has been already stated, that the Mohawks of the 
Schenectady castle were ready and willing to sell, and that 
a num1)er of independent and dissatisfied families of Bever- 
wyck and Fort Orange were willing to purchase and remove 
thither, they well knowing, some from report and some from 
exploration, that it was a beautiful location, already fitted 
for the purposes of agriculture and civilized occui)ation. 

It was under such circumstances that Arent Van Curler, 
on the 18th day of July, 1661 — 215 years ago — -on behalf of 
himself and Philip Hendrickson B rower, Alexander Lindmy 
Glen, Swear Tunise Van Velsen, 8ymon VolkerLsen Veeder, 
Peter Adriance (commonly called Sogemakeh/k), Cornelius 
Auionisen Van Sli/ck, Gerrit Bancker, William Teller. Baslian 
De Winter, in his own right, and, also, as attorneij for Catahjn, 
Avidow of Aarent Andreas Bradt, Peter Jacobse Borsbooni, 
Peter Danielse Van Olinda, Jan Barentse Warnp and Jacques 
Corneliuse Van Slyck, applied to Peter Stuyvesaut, the 
Director-General, U)v permission to purchase the Indian lands 
at Schenectady. The above-named were the first permanent 
actual settlers of Schenectady, many of whose descendants 
bearing the family name, and some not bearing, it are now 
before me, or still living in our midst, links in a chain of 
by-gone days. 

On the 21st day of the same month, July, 1661, Stuyve- 
saut granted the requisite authority, but the permission was 
loaded down with the provision (for the applicants could not 
escape the sovereignty of the stout old director) : "That the 
said lands, on being purchased from the native proprietors, 
must be, as usual, transferred to the Director-General and 
Council, as representatives of the Lords Directors of the 
Privileged West India Company ; that whatever the petition- 
ers should pay for the aforesaid lands to the original pro- 
prietors should, in due time, be returned to them, or be dis- 
counted to them, against the tenths." (See Albany Rec. 
XIX, p. 180.) 

After which illiberal permission, on the 27th day of July, 
1661, the following deed was obtained from the Indian 
owners, which, as it embraced the location of our city and all 



10 HISTORY OF SCHEXECTADY COUNTY. 

the flats in its vicinity, and was an earnest effort of the old 
pioneers to improve their then oppressed condition, I copy- 
entire, to wit : 

" Appeared het'ove Johaimes La Montague, appointed by the 
Director-General and Commissary in the service of the Privi- 
leged West India Company, at Fort Orange and the town of 
Beverwyck, certain chiefs of the Mohawk conntry, by name 
Cantuqao, Sonareetsie, Aiadane and Sodoorane, proprietors of 
a certain parcel of land called, in Dutch, Grooie M,acte (Great 
Flats), lying behind Fort Orange, ])etween the same and the 
Mohawk country, which they declare to have ceded and trans- 
ported, as they hereby cede and transport, in real and actual 
possession and property, unto Sieur Avent Van Onrler, the said 
parcel of land, or Great Flat, called in Indian, ' Schonowa,' as 
it is bounded in its contents and circumference, with its trees 
and streams, for a certain number of cargoes, wherein the 
cedents acknowledge to have received satisfaction ; renounc- 
ing, now and forever, all property and claim which they 
hitherto have had in the aforesaid parcel of land, promising to 
free the same from all claims which other Indians might have 
thereon. Done in Fort Orange, the 27th July, Anno 1G61, in 
presence of Martin jNlourisse and William Montague, there- 
luito requested in presence of me. 

" LA MONTAGNE, 
''Vice-Diredor and Commifisary over the Fortress Orange.''^ 

The mark of (Jontuquo to the !d)()ve instrument was a Bear ; 
that of Aiadans, a 2\irtle ; and of Sonareetsie, a Wolf, denoting 
the tribe or family to which each belonged. The true name 
of the witness to this instrument, who signed as Martui Mou- 
risse, was Martin Maurice Van Slyck, brother of Jac(pies 
Cornelise Van Slyck, both subsequently proprietors, and 
among the first original settlers of Schenectady. The mother 
of both was a Mohawk chieftain's daughter. They were the 
children of Cornelise Antonisen Van Sbjcl', the great Indian 
intei'preter, and were born at Canajoharie, the princii)al 
Mohawk castle — Jacques as early as 1(540, and INIartin a 
year or two after that time. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 11 

This singular mode of signature, without the surname, 
leads me to state, that of all the colonies established in North 
America, the records of none seem so unintelligible or diffi- 
cult of construction as those of the New Netherlands ; and 
the fact, with its difficulties, as illustrated to me in the expe- 
rience of a long and somewhat practical professional life, is 
clearly pointed out by mj' friend, Professor Jonathan Pierson, 
of Union College, in his two voliunes, entitled, " Contribu- 
tions for the Genealogies of the First Settlers of Albany and 
Schenectad}', published respectively in 1872-3;" in which, 
after displaying much talent with learning, and the most 
indefatigable patience and research in his investigations, he 
justly sa3's : " The student who searches the early Dutch rec- 
ords meets with many difficulties ; yet none are more vexa- 
tious than the personal names. The majority of the tirst 
settlers ovdinarUij used no surnames ; some evidently had none; 
in those cases, individuals were often distinguished by personal 
peculiarities, trades or occupations, which, although sufficient 
for that individual, gives little or no aid to one tracino" tlie 
pedigree of a family." And I must here mention, with pro- 
found respect, that I have been greatly aided in my present 
effort by the previous persevering hibors of the painstaking 
professor. 

But the use of surnames gradually increased among the 
Dutch after 16(J4, when the colony of New Netherlands 
became the province of New York, and, after 1725, became 
universal. 

TIte first settlers of Schenectady were originidly i-esidents of 
Beverwyck (now Albany). Schenectady was really an emi- 
gration from that place, yet but little kindness did those 
pioneer, enterprising children receive from their fur-trading, 
jealous, and avaricious mother. That treatment has a history, 
without some reference to which Schenectady's early settle- 
ment, and the oppressions of its citizens, cannot be well 
understood. 

True, a grant in confirmation of the Indian title for the 
Schenectady Flats, purchased July 27th, 1(3G1, Avas tardily 
issued under the provincial seal, April Gth, 1662, but the land 



12 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

was not surveyed, or permitted to be divided, until 1664, as 
the inhabitants of Fort Orange and Renssehierwyck inter- 
fered ; they were most anxious to retain the fu>- monopoly, 
and had sufficient influence with Director and Council to 
induce them to order that the settlers of Schenectady should 
confine themselves exclusively to agriculture, and abstain tVom 
all trade with the Indians, and only on this condition were 
they allowed to remove ; or, if already removed, to remain 
there. 

The independent and indignant first settlers remonstrated 
against these harsh impositions, with great firmness and power 
of argument, but without avail ; iind it was not until 1664 
that they were allowed pernianentli/ to locate even upon such 
oppressive terms ; and still, in legal and municipal afl'airs, they 
were compelled to remain dependent on the court of Fort 
Orange. 



CHAPTER HI. 

The Dutch Colonists. 

In treating my subject from the foundation, and to shed 
light upon the early partiality of the Mohawks for the Dutch, 
I will state that Hendrick Hudson, on the 4th day of Sep- 
tember, 1609, roundcid ^'- Sandi/ Hook,"' and on the following 
morning moored the ''^ Half -Moon,'" in latitude 40° oO', at a 
short distance from the shore, in the waters of " the great 
North River of New Netherlands, our magnificent Hudson^ 
That bold navigator, after exploring the bay, discovered that 
it was file entrance to what ap[)eared to be an extensive river. 
On the 6tli, he sent five of his (;rew forward to make a more 
})articular examination of the channel. They passed the 
Narrows, sounding as they went, and, after proceeding six 
miles, turned \)ack, their boat being attacked by two canoes, 
containing twenty-six Lulians, killing John Colman, an Eng- 
lishman, by an arrow shot into his throat ; two others were 
Avounded at the same time ; clearly Hudson had no pacific 



THE DUTCH COLONISTS. 13 

welcome from the aborigines in his first intercourse with 
them, although subsequently the Mohawks, far up the great 
river, through a fortunate coincidence of circumstances (here- 
after explained), received the fearless explorer with brotherly 
aifection. This was the first European l)lood shed in those 
waters. Colman was interred at Sandy Hook, and the spot 
where his remains were deposited has ever since, in memory 
of that event, preserved the name of " Colman^s Pointy 

The unhesitating Hudson, after several encounters with 
the aborigines, on the afternoon of the 12th September, 1609, 
commenced his memorable voyage up the great river of New 
NelherJands. which has since handed down his name in 
deserved honor to posterity. On the 19th his vessel, the "//«//- 
3Ioon,^^ reached a point a little below the present south bounds 
of the city of Albany, and there anchored, the navigation 
having become considerably obstructed, for it seems the noble 
stream held an overslaugh then, as it does now. From tiience 
he sent a boat several miles higher up, probably to the mouth 
of the Mohawk, and having satisfied himself that he had 
gained the head of ship navigation, on the 23d of September 
he began to retrace his course, and until he reached the Cats- 
kill creek, the southern boundary line of the Mohawks, lie 
and his companions were hospitably entertained by that people 
and treated as welcome friends. 

We may properly question here, whether this was genuine 
native hospitality or interested friendship. From early life 
I have entertained great admiration for the prowess and 
noble daring of the Mohawks " as the Spartans of America.^'' 
This admiration was hightened by the fact, that probably 
no family in their lovely valley, from its first settlement by 
Europeans, has received more consideration and kindness 
from that particular tribe of the Iroquois nation than the 
Glens of Scotia— 'the first family who ever erected a dwelling 
on the north side of Mohawk river in its whole course of 136 
miles. An old and undisputed entry in the Glen family 
Bible, shews that this took place in 1658, l)y permission of 
the Mohawks, although actual paper title did not pass to 
the Flats until July, 166 1, as before stated. All else between 



14 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

the Scotia mansion and Canada was occupied by forests, wild 
animals, and Indian hunters. 

Schenectady, historically, was not settled until 1661, but 
traditions and Bible entries convince the writer that Jacques 
Cornelise Van Slyck, Alexander Lindsey Glen and John 
Teller, a nephew of Glen's wife, were established there as 
early as 1658, under the auspices of the ISIohawks. 

There is much still to be respected in the early history of 
the Mohawks ; but after an earnest reading of Indian history, 
occurring since the settlement of this country, 280 years ago, 
and in view of our late and present experiences in the far 
west, I have reached the calm conviction, that although the 
Indian may he grateful for p-esent benefits bestowed, his nature 
cannot be sympathetic or genial from atfection ; his Avild, 
rugged being scorns such effeminacy, but seems to nurture 
animosities and revenge, freighted with cruelties fiend-like 
and unspeakably barbarous. To him interest is the true lever, 
and selfishness a polar star. The wife, who should be a 
cherished companion, is his drudging, forlorn, unpitied slave ; 
the chase is his almost necessary support, while war and 
plunder are his favorite pastimes. 

What, then, it may be asked, was the cause of the kind- 
ness shewn l)y those fierce Mohawks to Hudson and his suc- 
cessors? I answer, it was simply this high-strung, savage pride 
and fiendish interest, to which allusion has just been made. 

The Mohawks, who held the eastern portion of the great 
Iroquois confederacy (the gateway of the Mohawk Valley) at 
the time of Hudson's arrival, were the first of that confederacy 
to meet the Dutch. Five tribes — the Mohawks, Oneidas, 
Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas, called the Iroquois by the 
French, and the Five Nations by the English, speaking a 
language radically the same, and practicing simiUir customs — 
had united in forming a confederacy which, for durability 
and power, has never been equaled in Indian history. 

Ill cases of emergency, each tribe acted independently ; but 
a General Council, usually assembling at Onondaga, near the 
center of their territory, determined ui)()n peace or war, and 
all other matters, which rcirarded the interests of the whole. 



THE DUTCH COLONISTS. 15 

As a confederacy, they occupied the whole Mohawk Valley, 
and what is now the northern and western part of the State 
of New York, and a portion of northwestern Pennsylvania. 
They were a race of men distinguished above all other abo- 
riuincs of the American continent for intelligence, eloquence, 
combinations, prowess, endurance and cruelty. War was 
their delight — a mere healthy, recreating exercise — Ijelieving 
it to be the most honorable employment of men. 

These confederates had carried their arms to the wild 
regions north of the St. Lawrence, had swept their adver- 
saries from the waters of Ontario and Erie, and had even 
gained a great victory on the far Lake Huron ; had carried 
their arms across the Connecticut river, over the banks of the 
Mississippi, and almost to the Gulf of Mexico. Formidable 
by their numbers, combinations, reckless courage and skill, 
they excited awe and respect in the most powerful tribes of 
North America, and exacted tribute and submission from the 
weak with unfeeling arrogance. 

But a great change came over these knights of the toma- 
hawk, bow and arrow. The Iroquois were astounded, and 
the ]M()hawks especially, who were the immediate actors, felt 
deep humiliation. In 1608. the first efficient settlement in 
Canada was made by Governor Champlain (Samuel De 
Champlain, a native of France, born at Brouge, a seaport 
situated on the bay of Biscay, and was of noble descent ; as 
an explorer and hardy pioneer of daring adventures, Cham- 
plain has few equals, and has left the impress of his distin- 
guished name on one of the most beautiful lakes of our coun- 
tr}'), iL'Jio founded Quebec. At this time the Iroquois were 
waging a desperate war with the powerful Hurons and Algon- 
quins, who lived in Canada, and Champlain, entering into an 
alliance with those tribes, furnished them with men and fire- 
arms. The Iroquois had never before heard fire-arms, or 
seen a white man ; and the effects produced by the flash, 
the noise and fatal aim of the fire-arms, operating on the 
superstitious ideas and fears of the Iroquois (the Mohawks 
being the only portion of them present), enabled their enemies 
to gain a temporary ascendancy over them near Ticonderoga. 



16 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUXTY. 

(See Edin. Eucyclopa?cli:i, North Aiiienca, and Sieiir Cham- 
plain's Account, Doc. His. N. Y., Vol. 3, p. 9.) 

The confederates, who had always been victorious, esteemed 
the Hurons and Algonquins as little better than vassals, and 
could not brook this change of supremacy without humili- 
ating regrets. They, therefore, hailed the coming of the 
Dutch with delight, and counted on their friendship after 
tlaey should become established at Fort Orange, which took 
place soon after the settlement of Quebec. From the Dutch 
they soon obtained arms, ammunition and instruction, and 
immediately, almost, regained all the influence, power, and 
character they had lost ; and from that time and long after- 
wards, were they the grateful, steady friends and protectors of 
the Dutch, whose light boats were permitted to penetrate 
into the remote l)ounds of their territory, exchanging their 
merchandise and munitions of war for peltries and furs. But 
the French were not idle. They sent Jesuit missionaries 
among the IMohawks, men of fascinating maimers, eas}^ adap- 
tation, skillful musicians, and, being Frenchmen, were, per- 
haps, as much intent on making allies for France as converts 
to Christianity. For, as previously stated, they, in 1671, 
only ten years after the lirst settlement of Schenectady, per- 
suaded all the Mohawks located at Caughnaivaga to remove 
from their castle on the Mohawk river, and establish them- 
selves in Canada, where they were settled on the Sault, at a 
l)lace still called Caughnawaga, near Montreal. (Wm. W. 
Campbell's Border Warfare of N. Y. during the Revolution, 
issued 1836.) 

What a chilling exhibition of the enduring warmth of 
Indian friendship follows. In 1690, about thirty years after 
the settlement of Schenectady, eighty of these same Caugh- 
nawaga Indians, under their chief, the " Great Agnier,^^ 
assisted the French, under the Sieur Le Moyne, to desolate 
Schenectady, whose citizens were their former neighbors, and 
some of them personal acquaintances. (Doc. His. of N. Y., 
Vol. 1, p. 2\)^.) 

It has been seen that, through the assistance of the Dutch, 
the Iroquois, as a nation, and the Mohawks, especially, as a 



THE DUTCH COLONISTS. 17 

tribe, recovered their supremacy ; and note how arbitrary and 
despotic was that supremacy. An example or two will illus- 
trate their hardihood, prowess, insolence, and ferocity. 

As early as 1643, in the w^inter, while the earth was yet 
buried in snow, a party of armed jNIohawks, some eighty or 
ninety in number, made a descent upon the Tappaen Indians, 
for the purpose of levying tribute, which had not been 
promptly paid. Struck with terror, the Tappaens, amount- 
ing to between four and five hundred, fled in despair to the 
island of Manhattan, leaving seventy of their men dead on 
the field, and numbers of their women and children in the 
hands of the enemy. Half dead with hunger and cold, these 
poor creatures presented themselves at the houses of the 
Dutch, by whom they were hospitably received and humanely 
treated for the space of fourteen days. But terror had 
entered so deep into their souls, that they did not think them- 
selves safe even under the protection of the Dutch at Man- 
hattan, and once more they fled, scattering themselves abroad, 
like leaves before the winter's wind, in various directions. 
(O'Callaghan's His. N. Netherlands, Vol. 1, p. 264, etc.) 

The accomplished statesman, De Witt Clinton, in an histo- 
rical address, ^peaking of the Iroquois during the Revolution- 
ary War, says : " The whole confederacy, except a little more 
than half the Oneidas, took up arms against us. They hung 
like the scythe of death upon the rear of our settlements, 
and their acts are inscribed v^ith the scalping-knife and the 
tomahawk, in characters of blood, on the fields of Wyoming 
and Cherry Valley, and on the banks of the Mohawk." The 
Mohawks levied tribute on all the Indian tribes living east 
of the Connecticut river. Golden (high authority about early 
times), in his history of the Five Nations, writes : 

" I have been informed by old men in New England, who 
remember the time when the Mohawks made war on their 
Indians, and that as soon as a single Mohawk Avas discovered 
in the country, their Indians raised a cry from hill to hill : 
A Mohawk, a Mohawk, a Mohawk, upon which they all fled 
like sheep before wolves, without attempting to make the 
least resistance, whatever odds was on their side. The poor 
2 



18 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

New Engluiid IndiMiis immctliatcly ran to the Christian 
houses, and the Mohawks often pursued them so closely that 
they entered along with them, and knocked their brains 
out in the presence of the people of the house ; but if the 
family had time to shut the door, they never attempted to 
force it, and on no occasion did injury to the Christians. 

" All the nations around them for many years entirely 
submitted to the Mohawks, and paid to them a yearly tribute 
in wampum ; and those tributary nations dare neither make 
war or peace without the consent of that haughty tril)e. 
Jwo old men commonly Avent al)out every year or two to 
receive the tribute ; and I have often had opportuniiy to 
observe what anxiety the poor Indians were under while 
these two old men remained in that part of the country where 
I was. An old Mohawk Indian, in a poor blanket and a 
dn^ty shirt, might be seen issuing his orders with authority as 
arbitrary as a Roinan Dictator.^'' It may well be admitted, 
that the Mohawks were a people of Spartan mould. 

I have been thus precise in my description of the Mohawks : 

First — Because they were the original proprietors of the soil 
on which we now stand, and where our city now flourishes. 

Second — Because they were, in proportion to numbers, 
both by reputation and in fact, the most heroic, warlike tribe 
that roamed in uncivilized grandeur over the forests, streams 
and mountains of North America. 

Third — Because, with all their savage peculiarities, ferocity 
and prowess, until the connnencement of the Revolutionary 
"War, the great majority of the Mohawks were the earnest 
and steady friends of the early settlers of Schenectady and 
their descendants, scattered throughout their rich valley. 



CHAPTER IV. 

SUKVEY. 

It has been previously stated that 15 individuals — -stout- 
hearted and hardy sons of ireedom, and their names given — • 
remembering their ancestral liolUuid, with her noble institu- 



SURVEY. 19 

tions, brave ships, lil^eral churches, and indomitable people, 
in the hope of escaping from the manorial conflicts, restric- 
tions and oppressions of the Colony of Rensselaerwyck, being 
unwilling to submit to tioo jurisdictions, purchased from the 
Mohawks (and that Stuyvesant confirmed to them) the Flats 
at Schenectady. They soon after located there, and, upon an 
actual survey, laid out, compactly, the streets for their vil- 
lage, aiming at mutual defense and safety. 

The original plat embraced only the ground extending 
from the Main Binae Kill, on the west, to what is now the 
east side of Ferry street, on the east, and from the Mohawk 
river, on the north, to the line of the low lands on the south, 
including a small portion of the Flats. This area they care- 
fully fortified with stockades or palisades, well knowing that 
at this point they occupied the extreme front line of civiliza- 
tion. And although compactness was studied and desirable, 
yet, with a view to business and the convenience of posterity, 
and an enlightened policy, they laid out their streets wide, 
regular, and at right angles, as is still exhibited within the 
original limits by the old unchanged streets. Those within the 
palisades were named : 

1st. Ilandelaers' street (Traders' street). This name con- 
tinued until soon after the destruction and massacre at Sche- 
nectady in 1690, when the name was changed to " i^bw " 
street, and was so called until after the close of the Revolu- 
tionary War, when it was named " Washington^'' street (now 
Washington avenue) in honor of the great Washington, Father 
of our Country. This street, until the disastrous tire of 1819, 
when its docks, wharves and storehouses along the main 
Binnekill, and the mercantile and dwelling-houses on the 
street itself, were swept away, was b}- far the most valuable 
and business portion of the city, and had l)een from the day 
of its settlement ; but, with that desolation, and the progress- 
ive movements of the Erie canal and the strides of railroad 
power, its business activities have been transferred to our 
8late street, and the old business center has become, with 
quiet dignity, a delightful place of residence — one of the 
most charming points of Schenectady. 



20 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

2cl. Front street retains its orii>iiial name, and was so called 
because it was on the northern line of the place, and ran par- 
allel to the Mohawk river. 

3d. Ferry street also maintains its first name, and was so 
called because one of the gates of the place, and the landing- 
place for its boats, canoes, and only scow was at its foot. 
The Mohawk was chained by no bridges then ; the village, 
and the sparse population on the north side of that river, 
maintained communication by water except in the winter 
season. There the sentinel of snow was stationed when the 
place was surprised in 1690. Here the only entrance was 
made by the French and Indians. The French account, 
given by Monsieur De Monseignat (Paris, Doc. IV), states : 
"The town of "Cbr/ear" (Schenectady) forms a sort of 
oblong, with only two gates — one opposite the road we had 
taken (at Ferry street), the other leading to Orange (Albany). 
Messieurs De Sainte Ilelene and De Mantet were to enter at 
the first, which the squaws pointed out, and which, in fact, 
was found wide open. Messieurs d'lberville and De Montes- 
son took the left, with another detachment, in order to make 
themselves masters of that leading to Orange. But they 
could not discover it, and returned to join the remainder of 
the party. A profound silence Avas everywhere observed, 
until the two commanders, who, separated at their entrance 
into the town for the pm-pose of encircling it, had met at the 
other extremity." 

4th. CJmrcJi street was always so called l)ecause the earliest 
church (Reformed Dutch) was erected on the small pul)lic 
square at its southern termination. 

5th. NisJtayuna street was so named in honor of the old 
Niskayuna settlement just outside of the manor of liensselaer- 
wyck, whose inhabitants sympathized with those of Schenec- 
tady, and in some families were of the same kith and kin. 
It is now known as Union street. 

6th. Albany street was so called until after the burning 
and massacre of 1690, when it was named " ]\lartelaers' 
street" {JSIurtyrs^ street), in memory of the cruel slaughter of 
many of its residents, where the murders of that hour and 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 21 

the barbai-ities of that night seem to have been the most ter- 
rific, and was so named nntil it received its present designa- 
tion, ^^ State streety 

The lots on the vilhige phit, and the farming flats on both 
sides of the Mohawk river, embracing the isUmds therein, as 
contained in the grant, were equitably divided or apportioned 
among the original proprietors, who subsequently sold out 
sections or rights to actual settlers on easy terms. Aided by 
such encouragement, the fertility of the soil and the advan- 
tages of local trading position, Schenectady soon advanced in 
jDopulation, prosperity and wealth. 

As is apparent at this late day, the lots on the north side 
o^ Front street ran through to the strand on the Mohawk river. 

The east side of Ferry street was occupied by a line of 
pickets, placed deeply and firmly in the soil, some remains 
of which this writer, in the march of later-day improvements, 
has seen excavated from the line where both tradition and 
history claim they were fixed by the old pioneers. 

The lots on the soutJi side of State street ran down to and, 
generally, some short distance on the Flats. And the lots on 
the west side of Washington avenue extended to the strand on 
the Main Binnekill, which was, until 1819, the harbor and 
commercial port of our comptiratively venerable place. 

Besides the portions above named, within the pickets, there 
were four blocks, laid out 400 feet square, Rhineland measure 
(400 feet Ehincland being 413 feet English measure). 



CHAPTER V. 

Original Proprietors. 

From the lapse of time and the destruction of early town 
records in 1690, it is next to impossible to determine with 
accuracy the allotments and divisions of their common prop- 
erty among the original proprietors ; but, as the result of my 
own labors and the valuable researches of Professor Pierson, 
to whom I owe much of my knowledge about the early set- 



22 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

tiers, we can approximate thereto so nearly as to trace and 
treat of the proprietors individually. 

We have already ascertained who they were by name ; it 
has interested me, and it may gratify many, certainly loill 
some intelligent citizens, to know where they were from, where 
and how they lived, and what became of them. And, having 
been especially requested to give the public all the reasonable 
light to be found on that point, from a pretty intimate tradi- 
tional and historic knowledge of their early trials and sin-round- 
ings, as a lineal descendant of one of then, I cannot but feel a 
lively partiality for the brave emigrants, and will ofter the re- 
sult of my investigations with some satisfaction, as follows : 

The first named, and apparently most prominent pioneer, 
he having acted as head agent in obtaining the original grant 
of Schenectady for himself and other first settlers, was Arent 
Van Curler. I have no means of determining when he first 
came to the New Netherlands, l)ut find he was an early set- 
tler, an intimate friend of Alexander Lindsay Glen, a full 
cousin of the Patroon, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, and that 
already, in 1643, at Albany, he married Antonia Slachboom, 
widow of Jonas Bronk. He certainly was the proprietor of 
a brewery at Beverwyck, in 1661, and one of the leaders in 
the settlement of Schenectady during the same year. 

On the surrender of the colony, in 1664, he was sent for 
by Governor Nicoll, to be consulted on Indian attairs and the 
interests of the country generally. He was highly respected 
by the Governors of Canada, and the regard entertained for 
him l)y M. De Tracy, Viceroy of that country, will be best 
judged of by the following extract of a letter, which that 
distinguished person addressed to him, dated Quebec, April 
30th, 1667: 

" If you feel it agreeable to come hither this summer, as 
you had caused me to hope, you will be most welcome, and 
entertained to the utmost of my abilty, as I have great esteem 
for you, though I have not a personal acquaintance with you. 

" Believe this truth, that I am, sir, your afi'ectionate and 
assured servant, TRACY." 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 23 

Van Curler was an unhesitating humanitarian under any 
circumstances, and had, with great hibor, perseverance and 
expense, rescued several French captives from the hands of 
the barbarous Mohawks. But the crowning hospitalit}^ of 
his life, which secured for him the consideration and warm 
afiection of the Marquis De Tracy, an old general, schooled 
in the European wars of France, and Viceroy of all the French 
possessions in America, was this : 

" On the 29th December, 1666, Monsieur Courcelles, the 
Governor cf Canada, began his march with near six hundred 
men, to seek out their inveterate enemies, called the Mohawk 
Indians, in their own country and forts, there to take revenge 
ujion them for the murders and spoils which the barbarians 
had, for many 3'ears, exercised upon the French and the 
Indians of those parts to the ruin of most. They marched 
over the frozen Lake of Canada (Champlain), taking their 
time, until the snow upon the ground was hard frozen, though 
in most pUices foiu- feet deep. They made use of Indian 
snow-shoes, which have the form of a racket, tied to each foot, 
whereby the body and feet are kept from sinking into the 
snow, and because it was not possible for horses to pass or 
subsist in the snow, or for the soldiers to carry their necessary 
provisions on their backs. With no expectation of meeting 
relief in the vast wilderness, Courcelles caused slight sledges 
to be made in good number, and hu'ing provisions on them, 
drew them over the snow with Mastiff dogs. 

All these difficulties impeded his march, and by the mis- 
take of his guides, happened to fall short of the castles of the 
I^Iohawks, and to take up his quarters, or rather, encamp 
upon the 9th of February within two miles of a small village 
called ' Schonectade' lyiug in the woods beyond Fort 
Albany, and three days' march from the first castle of the 
Mohawks. 

" The French supposed they were come to their designed 
place ; and the rather, because that evening they met with 
a party of the Mohawks, who made appearance of retreating 
from the French, whereupon 60 of the best fusileers were 
sent after them ; Init that small party drew the French into 



24 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

an ambuscade of near 200 Mohawks, planted behind trees, 
who, at one volley, slew eleven Frenchmen, whereof one was 
a lieutenant, and wounded divers others. The French party 
made an honorable retreat to their main body, which was 
marching after them close at hand. This gave the Mohawks 
time and opportunity to march oft' with the loss of only three 
slain and six wounded. The report was soon brought to 
Schonectade by these Indians, with the heads of four of the 
French, to the Commissary of the village. The next day, 
upon invitation. Monsieur Courcelles sent his wounded men, 
seven in number, to the village, where they were carefully 
dressed and sent to Albany. 

" The Dutch farmers of Schenectady carried to the camp 
such provisions as they had, especially peas and bread, of 
which a good quantity was bought. The Mohawks were 
all gone to their castles, with resolution to fight it out 
against the French, who, being refreshed, and supplied by 
the Dutch with provisions, made a shew of marching 
towards the Mohawk castles, but with faces about, and great 
silence and diligence, returned towards Canada." (Loud. 
Doc. 11 ; Doc. His. of N. Y., Vol. 1, p. 71.) 

The students of our early local history can easily discover 
who was the principal actor in this rescue of the bewildered 
French invaders of the Mohawk country [intended as a sur- 
pn'se) from the concentrated Mohawdc wrath, gathering for 
destruction at their castles. 

Governor Dongan, as late as 1687, paid this tribute to the 
memory of Van Curler : 

" About 30 years ago 600 or 700 of these French, taking 
advantage of the Indians being abroad, so far as Cape Florida 
at war, came down and burnt a castle of the Mohawks, 
wherein there were none but old men, women and children, 
which the rest of the Iroquois, hearing, pursued the French 
to a place called /Schonectade, about 20 miles above Albany, 
where they had every man cut off*, had not one ' Corlarr ' (a 
Dutchman so beloved of the Indians that in memory of him 
they call all the governors by that name) interposed." (Doc. 
His. N. y., Vol. 1, p. 156.) 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 25 

Having accepted the invitation of De Tracy, Van Curler 
prepared for his journey, and Gov. NicoU furnished him with 
a very coniphmentary letter to the Viceroy, which bears date 
20th May, 1667, stating, among other matters, that " he 
hath intreated my pass and liberty, to conduct a youno* 
gentleman, M. Fonlm'n, who unfortunately fell into the hands 
of his barbarian enemies, and by means of Monsr, Curler 
obtained his liberty." He entered upon his journey, and hav- 
ing embarked on a canoe to cross Lake Champhiin, was over- 
taken by a storm and drowned at a point called Split lloch. 

O'Callaghan, in his History of New Netherlands, says : 
" In his death, this country experienced a public loss, and the 
French of Canada a warm, efficient friend. His was a 
humanitarian life that should live in history. Our early 
annals are full of his efforts to rescue unfortunate captives 
from the barbarities of the Mohawks and their confederate 
allies." Father Joques, in 1663, and Father Beresani, in 
1664, and M. Fontain, in 1667, are only three individual 
cases noted among the number of his rescues. 

His influence among the Iroquois was almost unbounded, 
and in honor of his memory, as we have seen, those tribes 
addressed all succeeding governors of New York by the name 
of " Corlearr 

What a tribute to virtue — what an offering to the memory of 
a deceased friend ! Letters on a sculptured monument cannot 
equal this noble expression of admiration from the unciviUzed 
Indian. 

As an evidence of the advanced scholarship of Van Curler, 
his systematic turn of mind, his fldelity to trust, and as 
exhibiting the condition of affairs at Fort Orange, and in the 
manor of Rensselaer wyck, at that early day, I will pul^lish, 
ill an appendix^ marked A, a letter from him to the Patroon, 
Killian Van Rensselaer, a merchant of Amsterdam, a Director 
of the West India Company, one of the flrst Patroons of New 
Netherlands, and the tirst proprietor of Rensselaerwyck, whose 
superintendent and representative Van Curler was, written 
from Manhattan, June 16th, 1643. (See same, taken from 
the Rensselaerwyck MSS.) 



26 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Van Curler's village lot in Schenectady, on the division, was 
on the northwest corner of Church and Union streets, embrac- 
ing one quarter of the block, being two hundred feet square, and 
covers the present site of the classical department premises of 
the Union school, and of the county judge's and clerk's 
offices, etc. His bowery or farm, after his death, called Juf- 
frow's Landt, comprised one hundred and fourteen acres of 
Hat land, immediately southwest of the village, which, subse- 
quent to his decease, was sold in sections to divers individuals. 
Van Curler left no children ; his widow continued to reside 
in Schenectady until she died, January 15th, 1675. 

In consideration of the loss of her husband in public ser- 
vice, and of her house, l)arn and corn by fire, she received a 
license from Governor Lovelace, in 1672, to trade with the 
Indians. 

It was thought, also, that her license would stop the quar- 
rels of the other two tapsters, Cornelis Cornelise Viele and 
Jacques Cornelise Van Siyck. (Orders in Council, p. 127.) 

Pldlip Hendrickse Broiaver is the second of the original 
proprietors named. He was in Beverwyck as early as 1655, 
where he owned a house, lot and brewery, and became one 
of the proprietors of Schenectady ; he died soon after in 1664, 
having previously accidentally shot Class Cornelise Sivits there, 
who was not a proprietor, but an early settler, and had mar- 
ried the daughter of Si/mon Symonse Groot, who had long 
been in the employ of the West India Company, as l)oat- 
swaiii of the ship Prince Maurice. His wife's name was Elsie 
Tjerk. Brouwer left no children. 

His village lot, two hundred feet square, Avas on the north- 
west comer of Church and State streets. It is on a portion 
of this lot tliat the present law office of Walter T. L. Sanders, 
Esq., now stands. Shortly after his decease, the lot was sold 
to Cornelius Van Ness, who had married the widow of Dirk 
Van E[)S, and subsequently conveyed the lot to his step-son, 
JoJin Dirksie Van Eps, who, in the massacre of 16i»(), was 
killed, with two of his children, and his son John Baptist 
taken prisoner. Afterwards, John's Avidow married Gyshert 
Genilse Van Brakel, a wealthy citizen, whose son Alexander 



ORIGINAL PEOPEIETORS. 27 

had been killed, and his son Stephen caj^tured on the same 
disastrous occasion. 

John Baptid. after remaining with the French three j-ears, 
escaped, and on the 9th of July, 1G99, married Helena, a 
daughter of Johannes Sanderse Glen. 

Brouwer's farm lot I am imable to locate. Two of his 
ne[)hews, Hendrick and William, subsequently settled at 
Schenectady, from whom are descended the Brouwer families 
in this vicinity. 

Alexander Lindsey Glen is the third original propi'ietor 
named, called, by the Dutch, Sander Leendertse Glen. He 
was a Scotchman of the Highlands, born in the vicinity of 
Inverness, and a refugee to Holland, from whence he emi- 
grated with the Dutch to New Netherlands at a very early 
day. AYe ascertained, from the colonial records, that he was 
an agent of the West India Company, at Fort Nassau on the 
Delaware, in 1643 ; received a grant of land there, and pre- 
pared to build, in 1651. but Avas prevented by the violence 
of the Swedes. 

In 1646, he received a patent for a tract of land at New 
Amsterdam. He was then called " Coopman " (merchant) of 
Beverwyck. In 1664, he also owned lands, houses and cattle 
at Graves End, Long Island, and in 1658 built a mansion of 
stone, on the north bank of our beautiful river, under pro- 
tection and title of the Mohawks ; for which site and some 
adjacent uplands, with some small islands and all the flats 
contiguous, he obtained a patent in 1665. 

Mr. Glen was allied h\ gratitude to the Dutch for many 
benefits conferred upon, and an asylum afforded, him in his 
hour of need. He honored his native soil by naming hi.s 
estate " Scotia " (the Latin for Scotland), and made that his- 
toric spot his future residence. 

He also owned real estate in divers parts of Beverwyck, 
and, as appears from records and traditions, was a large 
owner of lands, a considerable trader with the Indians, an 
extensive agriculturalist, and owned many negro slaves. 
Slavery then Avas surrounded l)y extenuating circumstances ; 
laborers were scarce, the country sparsely populated, and its 



28 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

fertile soil required cultivation and improvement. The temp- 
tation was strong. Slaves were then principally imported 
from Barbadoes and Brazil, and, according to Sir Edmund 
Andros (London, Doc. Ill), in 1()78, could be bought from $75 
to $90 each head, payable in country produce. It is well estab- 
lished, through the writers and observers of that day, that 
the slaves of New Netherlands Avere uniformly treated with 
humanity, kindness and indulgence by their purchasers. 

As ti-adition informs us, Mr. Glen was reputed to be a 
gentleman of solid wealth, educated in the schools of Scot- 
land to an extent beyond the then existing advantages of this 
country. He Avas of a commanding physique and high-strung 
temperament, but full of benevolence and earnest zeal for 
the progress of all Christian churches ; and, so far as can be 
learned, was reared in the rigid tenets of John Knox. 

As a descendant, the delicacy of this writer will not })crmit 
him to trace out in detail the adventurous early life of Alex- 
ander Lindsey Glen, the influential successor of the beloved 
Van Curler, in the new settlement ; but will pay this tribute 
to his love for sacred things : Not content with the visit of 
the good Domine Schatts, from Albany to Schenectady, at 
the end of each three months, to administer sacrament to the 
members and baptize their children at some private dwelling ; 
not content to travel 22 miles of deep sandy road, by the 
circuitous and only feasible route through Niskayuna, to 
attend the nearest lieformed Church at Albany, starting on 
Saturday morning and reaching home Monday night (although 
his eldest son, Jacob, and family, resided at that pkice), this 
old settler, as a matter of religion and economy, in 1682 
built, in the only public square in Schenectady, at the junc- 
tion of Church, State, Water streets and Mill lane (remain- 
ing of the same size now as it existed then), a frame buildino- 
of respectable dimensions, at his individual expense, and pre- 
sented the same to the inhabitants of the settlement as a free 
gift, to be used for the purposes of a church and town hall. 
It was gladly acce[)ted, and in 1()84 the Rev. Petrns Tasche- 
maher, a native of Holland, and a graduate of the University 
of Utrecht, was installed as its pastor. 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 29 

I have no means of determining accurately in what years 
respectively Alexander Lindsey Glen, or his wife, CatJianne 
Dongan, were born ; it must have been, from the connecting 
events attending their lives, in the early part of the sixteenth 
century, probably about 1610 ; their first child, Jacob, was 
born in 1645, and he being of the age of forty years when 
his father died, the approximation is reached that Mr. and Mrs. 
Glen must have been respectively of the age of about seventy 
or seventy-five years at the time of their decease. She died at 
their country seat, Scotia, on the 12th day of August, 1684, 
and was, by his desire, with the approbation of the settlers, 
buried under the newly erected chui-ch, just in front of the 
pulpit. He died on the loth day of November, 1685, at his 
residence, having survived his wife one year and two months, 
and was with solemnity buried by her side. 

This church was, in 1690, February 8th, burned by the 
French and Indians, and its pastor slain. Orders had been 
given, by the commander of the expedition, that Tasche- 
maker's life should be saved, on account of the information 
they could obtain from him, but his house was not known, 
and, before he could be recognized, was killed, and his house, 
with his papers, burned. His head was cloven ojjen, and the 
body consumed up to the shoulder blades. 

It is to the writer, at this moment, a source of vivid grati- 
fication, that he knew the place of interment of those Scotch 
ancestors. 

Another church had been erected upon the same site, and 
over their remains without disturbing them, in 1702, and 
was continued there until 1733, when it was taken down, 
but not until after the erection and completion of the church 
edifice at the junction of Church and Union streets. This 
new church teas a massive stone structure, well remembered 
by myself and other aged citizens still living, standing in the 
center of Church street, and frcniting on Union street. It 
was taken down in 1814, after the chaste and beautiful build- 
ing, erected on the adjoining parsonage lot, was completed. 
This new and fourth erected church was destroyed by fire in 
1861, and on its ruins and additional grounds purchased, 



30 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

stands the present unique building, justly admired as one of 
the nol)lest ornaments of our city. 

Knowing that the remains of the old Scots, Glen and wife, 
rested in undisturbed quiet at the point originall}^ selected by 
them for their interment, under the church erected in 1682, 
this spot having on several occasions been shown to the 
writer ])y his father, John Sanders, deceased (who, if living 
at present, would be of the age of one hundred and twenty 
years), and as traditionally pointed out to him by his prede- 
cessors. So, not doubting the traditional truth and precise 
location of their interment, in the summer of 1848, the 
writer ascertained that large cisterns or reservoirs were to be 
excavated on the ground once occupied by the original 
church. Under such circumstances, he closely watched the 
excavation, and, when made, found the two bodies or remains 
as had been indicated, and was gratified, on exhumation, to 
discover that, although the wife had been interred one hun- 
dred and sixty-four, and the husband one hundred and sixty- 
three years, owing to the peculiar soil, both skeleton remains 
were in good state of preservation. 

Caring for the relics, with the reverential regard of a 
lineal descendant, the writer retained them at his residence 
on a portion of the old Scoim estate, until the following morn- 
ing", a bright, sunny clay, suited to the occasion, when, with 
filial respect, he deposited them in the Scotia family ceme- 
tery, at a center, in the midst of a long line of deceased 
descendants. 

Alexander Lindsey Glen^s village lot in Schenectady, on the 
division, was 200 feet front on the west side of whtit is now 
Washington avenue, running down with equal breadth to the 
strand on the main Binnekill. A part of these premises, 
being the exact location of the old Glen family city residence, 
belonged to and was occupied by one of his lineal descend- 
ants until it was destroyed by the great fire of 1819. A 
brick taken from the ruins, bearing the evident marks of fire, 
and the dee[)-lined figures KJGG, a truly interesting relic, is 
now in the possession of Mrs. Anna Maria Lee, residing at 
No. 80 Union street, Schenectady, a lineal descendant of 



OEIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 31 

Aleximcler Liiidsey Glen. That portion of the orighial lot 
now belongs to the estate of Hon. A. C. Paige, deceased, and 
is at present occupied by Mrs, Dora Jackson. 

Mr. Glen's farm apportionment, embraced the Flats and 
adjacent islands, on the north side of the Mohawk river, as 
by him previously occupied by permission of the Indians. 
Alexander Lindsei/ Glen had three sons, but no daughters, 
viz. : 

Jacob Alexander Glen, the eldest, of Albany, l)orn in 1B45, 
died October 2d, 1685, aged 40 years ; he died a little more 
than one month previous to the decease of his father. lie 
left surviving him (hi'ee sons and two daugJiiers, viz. : 

John Glen, born 1675, who married Jane Bleecker, of 
Albany, December 11th, 1698, and died in 1707, leaving two 
sons and one daughter, viz. : 

Jacob Alexander, John Alexander and Ccdharine Glen. 

Jacob Alexander Glen, Jr., was born October 7th, 1703, and 
married Elizabeth Cuyler December 29th, 1732 ; died April 
16th, 1746. This was the father of our distinguished citizen 
John Glen, who was quartermaster during the French and 
Revolutionary Avars, stationed at Schenectady, and who built 
and occupied the venerable mansion situated on Washington 
avenue, now modernized and occupied by Mr. Swarttiguer. 
He was born July 2d, 1735, and died in Grecnhush at the 
residence of his son-in-law, John J. Van Rensselaer, Septem- 
ber 23d, 1828, aged 93 years. Jacob A. Glen was also the 
father of Col. Henry Glen, of Schenectady, who was mem- 
ber of Congress from this then Albany district from 1794 to 
1802. Col. Glen was born July 13th, 1739, and died Janu- 
ary 6th, 1814, aged nearly 75 years. 

It was the writer's pleasure often to see those remarkable 
brothers of Schenectady's early times. Both of them were 
ardent and stirring patriots of the Revolution, and highly 
esteemed personal friends of Gen. Washington. On all 
occasions, when the older brother was quartermaster, the 
3^ounger brother was his deputy. 

Anna, the eldest daughter of Jacob Alexander Glen, Jr., 
born in 1677, married Harmanus Wandell. 



32 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Jacobs the second son of Jacob Alexander Glen, Jr., born 
in 1679, and Helena, his youngest daughter, born November 
21st, 1683, died unmarried. 

Alexander Glen, the third and youngest son of Jacob Alex- 
ander Glen, Sr., was born November 15th, 1685, removed 
to Schenectady, and on the 18th December, 1714, married 
Rebecca, daughter of Isaac Sivits. He died November 2d, 
1763, and was buried in the old Dutch Church cemetery at 
Schenectady, where his large, freestone moniunent now stands 
in excellent state of preservation. He had several children, 
and is represented in this community by many linetd descend- 
ants. His son, Jacob Glen, born December 8th, 1717, mar- 
ried Folica, daughter of Jan Barentse Wemple, and widow 
of Barent H. Vrooman. She died April 16th, 1749. His 
daughter, Susanna, born August 4th, 1722, married Abra- 
ham Fonda, Febi'uary 22d, 1755, and died March 21st, 1773. 
Abraham Fonda owned and lived in the house No. 27 Front 
street, built in 1752, and now occupied by his great-grand- 
son, Nicholas Yates. She was the mother of Jacol) Fonda, 
who died in West Glenville, December 8th, 1859, aged 98 
year^, and was the grandmother of Alexander Glen Fonda, 
a graduate of Union College, and for many years a physician 
of Schenectady. Her descendants are very numerous in this 
region, and some of them are found far off in Alabama and 
California. 

Alexander Glen, the second son of Alexander Lindsey Glen 
(conmu)nly called Captain Glen), was born in 1647, lived in 
the village of Schenectady, and married Anna, daughter of 
Ja7i Barentse Wemp (now called Wemple), who received, in 
1662, in c()ni[)any with Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck, the 
Indian title for the great island lying innnediately west of 
Schenectady, and owned a house and lot in the village, on 
the west side of Washington street, a little north of State 
street. lie owned a large bouwery (farm) at Lubbude's land 
(Troy), but was never called a proprietor of Schenectady, 
not being one of the original petitioners. He died soon after 
1662, and his widow, Maritie jMynderse, in 1664 married 
Swear Teanise Van Velsen, one of the original proprietors. 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 33 

Capt. Alexander Glen was a justice of the peace for the 
county of Albany ; but in the troublesome times of 1689, 
when most of the citizens of Schenectady belonged to, or 
sided with, the Leslerian faction, Jacob Lesler appointed 
Myndert Barentse Wemp. a brother-in-law of the captain, a 
justice in his stead. Wemp was killed at the burning of 
Schenectady in 1690, and his son John, with two of his 
negro men, carried into captivity. John subsequently re- 
turned, married a daughter of Ryer Schermerhorn, 15th June, 
1700, and became one of the trustees of the Schenectady 
patent. 

Capt. Glen had the reputation of being an active and influ- 
ential citizen, a great lover of the chase and Ashing s})orts. 
By his will, made July 19th, 1690, he specially gave his 
weapons to the sons of his brothers, Jacob A. and John Alex- 
ander, but his favorite gun to Alexander, son of his brother 
John A. 

Mr. Glen died in 1695, aged about 38 years, leaving his 
widow, Anna, surviving him, but no children. 

Jo/m Alexander Glen, the i/urd and youngest son of Alexan- 
der Lindsey Glen (commonly called Major Coudre, his desig- 
nation l)y the French and Indians), was born November 5th, 
1648, and died November 6th, 1731, at the advanced age of 
eighty-three years. Mr. Glen was twice married. First, on 
the 2d day of May, 1667, to An7ia, the daughter of Jo/m 
Peek, an early settler of New Amsterdam, and from whom 
the creek at Peekskill takes its name, was living at 
Scotia when Schenectady was burned in 1690. She died on 
the 19th day of December in that }^ear. On the 21st of 
June, 1691, he married Deborah, the daughter of Evert Jans 
Wendell, and widow of Myndert Wemp, a justice of the 
peace, appointed by Liesler, who was killed at the massacre 
of 1690. So it Avill be seen that Captain Alexander Glen, 
and Major John A. Glen, his brother, married sisters-in-law. 

Major John A. Glen built the present Sanders mansion at 

Scotia, in 1713 (now occupied by Charles P. Sanders, Esq.), 

and occupied b}^ himself for seventeen years, until his death. 

His whole estate, real and personal, was spared when Sche- 

3 



34 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

nectfidy was destroyed, by ex})ress order of the Governor 
of Canada, for rescues made and kindnesses shewn to sundry 
French prisoners captured by the Mohawks, so that it seems 
probable, in common with Van Curler, from whom he has 
received valuable lessons, he was an humanitarian. 

The circumstances attending one of those rescues are so 
interesting and ingenious, that I cannot resist the temptation 
of incorporating here an extract from the draft of a letter 
written by myself to a friend, in 1874, giving an account of 
the occurrence : 

" The Mohawks of Scotia's early days were always devoted 
friends of the Dutch, but they were barbarous after all ; and 
the white population was too sparse, weak and timid, to 
interfere with the chivalric customs of those noble knights of 
the tomahawk, blunderbuss, bow and arrow, 

" The writer's father, John Sanders, has shewn him a hil- 
lock, not far from the present Scotia house, where, after their 
return from warlike or plundering expeditions, they- were 
wont to sacrifice their victims. Even so late as the time of 
his gr.'uidfather. Col. Jacob Glen (who often caressed his 
grandson), a Mohcgan Indian was burned on the spot. This 
surely was revolting, but the monarchs of the valley, original 
owners of the soil, willed it so, and nothing was left to civiliz- 
ation but to mitigate or ameliorate, and this the Christian 
pioneers accomplished when possible ; and many were the 
acts of kindness which, according to the accounts of the 
French themselves, were rendered by the Glens of Scotia to 
parties captured by the Mohawks. 

" Under such circumstances, according to well-established 
tradition, it happened that some time about five years before 
the burning of Schenectady, in 1690, toAvards sundown of a 
beautiful summer afternoon, the original larfje stone house, 
according to the French accounts, standing on the bank of 
the Mohawk (its site now covered by water, though the 
writer has seen a portion of its foundation wall), the home 
and estate of John Sander (Alexander) Glen, occupied only 
by himself, his wife, four daughters and two sons, his eldest 
daughter, Catrinay then only thirteen ycMirs of age, and his 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 35 

then youngest son, Jacob Alexander, subsequently the ances- 
tor of the Baltimore Glens, being in his cradle, and a large 
family of negro slaves (for Mr. Glen was an extensive land 
cultivator and proprietor), was quietly surrounded by the 
enchanting beauty of its lake, river, lowlands, adjacent island, 
and a full view of Schenectady, and all was peace, that a 
large party of Mohawks, just returned from the north, 
encamped l^elow the Glen mansion, as in that day of aborigi- 
nal power they claimed clear right to do, as original sov- 
ereigns of the soil. 

" The party was in a high state of elation and triumph, 
having captured a Roman Catholic Jesuit priest, against whom 
they entertained extreme antipathy. The reason of their 
peculiar dislike to priests was this : The Mohawks were 
Protestants, after their own fashion, ' because the Dutch 
were;' and this priest, with others, had proselyted among 
them, and caused some, as a Catholic party, to remove to 
Canada." 

"Now, these rejoicing, victorious Christians soon an- 
nounced to Mr. Glen and wife, that they intended a special 
roast of their captive on the following morning. So they 
brought the unfortunate priest along for Glen to lock up 
in his cellar, until they should want him for their pious sac- 
rifice. 

" Mr.Glen and his wife — the last very much praised in the 
French accounts for her many acts of benevolence and 
humanity to captives — ' did not see it in that light.' Now, 
Major Coudre (Glen) did possess two keys to his locked 
cellar, and aware of the confidence the MohaAvks placed in 
him, also of their credulity and superstition, raised this clear- 
sighted, loell-intended and formidable objection,' 

"That the Mohawks were his friends, and he felt pleasure 
at all proper times to oblige them ; but, in this case, he 
would not take the responsibility. ' Priests ' were ' Wiz- 
zards/ and could go through any key-hole ; suppose the 
priest was gone in the morning, what then ? ' No, he should 
take no m^-.' But one thing he proposed ' ivith wise sokm- 
nityJ They might lock him up and take the key them- 



36 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

selves. This just proposition Mrs. Glen seconded. It was 
ratified, the poor priest placed in close quarters, and the key 
duly delivered to his captors. 

" Mr. Glen had also suggested, at a proper time, in a quiet 
way and to the proper ears, that early in the morning, before 
day-light, he should send his team to Albany for salt, so as to 
excite no suspicions about movements contemplated or an 
early stir. 

" Well, the noble Mohawks, as was customary after a cam- 
paign, got their rum from Schenectady and feasted, drank, 
danced and sang, until the wee small hours in the morning, 
when exhausted nature, and even their dogs, settled into stu- 
pid repose. 

" This lull. Major Glen, his wife Anna and faithful slaves 
having watched, placed the priest in a wagon, in a hogshead 
with the lower head out, and the bung-hole to breathe 
through, and with a good team, the priest and two negro- 
men started for Albany after a load of salt. The priest was 
quietly and well received by the humanitarians of Albany, 
and silently forwarded to Montreal. Publicity, after such a 
joke on Mohawk warriors, was impolitic ; Init this kind act 
bore abinidaut and ))lessed fruit afterwards to the Glen family 
in 1690, when Schenectady was burned. JSTor was it ever 
heard that Major or jNIrs. Glen, or their faithful slaves, 
ever felt any remorse about the pious fraud. 

" The team, hogshead, priest and negroes were gone. The 
dawn of morning came, and with it the Mohawks, having an 
important mission on hand, ro^e; but Mr. Glen took the 
matter easy. The Mohawks found the cellar closed, ' hut the 
jgriest jioivn.'' Sleep to Mr. Glen then became impossible, 
the shouts were awful, and the agonies of disappointed justice 
became ' simply diabolical.'' When Major Gleu appeared, 
he cahnly and only said to his Indian friends : ' I told you so ; 
I told you so; priests are wizzards.' And they I'cluctantly re- 
sponded : ' Coudre ' (his Indian name) 'was right.' Nor was 
it ever known that any MohaAvk of that generation discovered 
the deception. Major Glen was always a great favorite of 
the Mohawks ; his sayings and doings wei-e ex calJiedra.^^ 



ORIGINAL, PROPRIETORS. 37 

From his two marriages, Joliii Alexander Glen had thirteen 
children, some of whom died in infancy, and are not particu- 
larity noticed here. 

Catharine, his eldest child, born 23d March, 1672, on March 
10th, 1698, married Gerrit Laming, Jr., died, February 15th, 
1731. 

Jemima, his second child, born May 9th, 1674, married, 
November 9th, 1694, James Van Dych, a physician of Sche- 
nectady, where he practiced until his death. He is the 
ancestor of the gallant Col. Cornelius Van Dyck, who was 
Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Veteran New York Regiment 
in the Revt)lutionary War, commanded by Colonel Goosen 
Van Schaick, and after Van Schaick's promotion, became its 
Colonel during the remainder of the war. Mrs. Van Dyck 
died February 6th, 1731. 

Alexander, his third child, born November 30th, 1676, died 
otf the Island of jVIadagascar, December 17th, 1696, as Sur- 
o-eon on board a ship-of-war, aged about twenty years. 

Maria, his fourth child, born March 21st, 1678, married 
Albert Vedder, December 17th, 1699. He was carried away 
captive by the French and Indians, February 9th, 1690. 
She died March 13th, 1753, aged nearly seventy-four years. 
Her husband died August 1st, 1753, aged eighty-two years, 
two months and twenty-one days. 

Ilellena, his fifth child, born November 2d, 1681, married, 
July 9th, 1699, John Baptist Van Ej^ps. He, too, was car- 
ried away captive to Montreal by the French and Indians, in 
1690, but. after a bondage of three years, made his escape. 

John, his sixth child, born November 28th, 1683, died De- 
cember 5th, 1709, unmarried. 

Jacob Alexander, his seventh child, l>orn February 27th, 
1686, removed to Baltimore, Maryland, wdiere a number of 
his descendants still reside, but many of them are scattered 
throughout Maryland and West Virginia. Several of his 
line ])ecame greatly distinguished for wealth and legal ability. 
In 1812, his grandson Elias was appointed by President 
Madison United States District-Attorney for Maryland, 
which conunission was rencAved by President Mom-oe. In 



38 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

1824, he was appointed United States District Judge by Mr. 
Monroe. After being on the bench twelve years, he resigned 
m 183(5, on account of ill health, and retired to his country 
seat, " Glenburnie,''^ now a part of the city of Baltimore, 
where he died on the 6th day of January, 1846, aged seventy- 
six 3^ears. 

John Glen, the eldest son of Judge Elias Glen, early 
developed such marked capacity in the legal profession, that 
he soon rose to the head of the Maryland bar, and when he 
retired to take a seat upon the bench, relinquished the largest 
legal practice in the city of Baltimore. 

In 1852, President Fillmore appointed him United States 
Judge for Maryland, and he then took his seat on the same 
bench that his lather had previously occupied. Judge John 
Glen died in 1853, aged 57 years. 

The writer still remembers, Avith vivid gratification, the 
generous southern hospitality, poured out upon himself and 
a younger brother, by both judges and their friends, during 
a visit of several days to them at Baltimore, in 1825. 

The above named are the children of John Alexander, by 
his first wife, Anna Peek. 

Jacob Glen, his eighth child (commonly called Col. Glen), 
was born December 29th, 1690, and on the 15th day of 
December, 1717, married 8avah Wendell, daughter of Capt. 
Johannes Wendell, of Albany. He inherited from his father 
the Scotia mansion and a considerable portion of his original 
estate ; but added largely to his possessions before his decease, 
which occurred at his residence, Scotia, August 15th, 1762 ; 
his wife died three days afterwards, both from malignant 
ship fever, contracted through some emigrants whom they had 
charitably housed a short time previous. At the time of his 
decease Col. Glen was aged 70 years, 8 months, 14 days ; on 
his wife's decease she was aged 73 yeai-s, 9 months, 11 days. 

Col. Glen was a man of much influence in the community; 
an extensive agriculturist, a noted surveyor, had been several 
times a member of the Provincial Legislature, and held the 
connnand of all the mihtia forces west of Albany, constituting 
a regiment, at one time, numbering 3,000 men. 



ORIGINAL TROPRIETORS. 39 

He left but one descendant, his only child, Deborah, born 
June 9th, 1721, Avho, on the 6th of December, 1739, married 
Jolui Sanders, of Albany, who immediately removed to Scotia, 
and continued to reside there and at the city residence of Col. 
Glen until his decease September 13th, 1782, aged 68 years, 
1 month, 3 days. His wife, Debora, died March 8th, 1786, 
aged 64 years, 8 months, 29 days. 

In 1765, by the purchase of the interests of John Glen, 
of Albany, and John Glen, Jr., of Schenectady, for $10,000, 
John Sanders and Debora his wife, became sole owners of the 
whole Glen estate, in the pre&ent town of Glenville. 

They left five children surviving them, namely, one son, 
John Sanders, the father of the writer of this record, and 
four daughters, viz., 

Maria, married to John Jacob Beekman, of Albany. 
Sarah, married to her cousin John Sanders Glen, of Scotia. 
Ulsie, married Myndart Schuyler Ten Eyck, of Schenec- 
tady. 

Margaret, married Killian K. Van Rensselaer, of Albany. 
From the above it will be seen, how that branch of the 
Glen family and the Scotia estate merged into the Sanders 
name, and the joint Glen and Sanders blood. 

Abraham Glen, the ninth child of John Alexander Glen, 
^vas born April 11th, 1694, and on the 11th day of July, 
1724, married Maria Teller, daughter of John Teller, son of 
William Teller, one of the original proprietors of Schenec- 
tady. He was a member of the Provmcial Assembly of New 
York, in 1743. Abraham inherited, under the will of his 
father, admitted to probate 22d May, 1735, a portion of the 
Scotia estate, which his son, John Sanders Glen, subsequently 
sold to his cousin Deborah, then wife of John Sanders. 

Mr. Abraham Glen left surviving him several daughters 
and only one son, named 

Jolin Sanders Glen, born January 25th, 1733. He mar- 
ried his cousin Sarah, daughter of John Sanders, of Scotia, 
September 11th, 1762. They also left surviving them sev- 
eral daughters and only one son, named 

Jacob Sanders Glen, born June 27th, 1773. He settled in 



40 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Montgomery county, in what is now called the town of Glen, 
which was named after and in honor of him, Mr. Glen was 
twice married : first, to Catharine, daughter of Ool. Frederick 
Visscher, of Revolutionary fame, who commanded a regiment 
at the terribly sanguinary, heroic, and important battle of 
Oriskany ; second, to Maria Van Eensselaer, of Bethlehem, 
Albany county. Mr. Glen died April 21st, 1859, aged 
nearly 86 3'ears, leaving no issue. Thus, l^y failure of issue 
in the male line, that branch of the Glen name is lost, and 
the blood of Al^raham Glen is only continued in female 
branches under the names of Viele, Van Eps, Kirkpatrick, 
Geddes, Edwards, and others, at this day. 

Simon Volkertse Veeder was the fourth named proprietor. 
He was born in Holland, in 1624 ; bought a lot at New Amster- 
dam, in 1652 ; sold the same and came to Beverwyck in 
1654, and from thence removed to Schenectady in 1662. He 
owned, on the division, a farm on the great Flat, niuiibered 
9, containing fifty-one acres, and a lot on the north side of 
State street at its junction with Ferry street, 200 feet square, 
and also owned considerable possessions on the Norman's kill. 

Few settlers contributed more to the healthy and vigorous 
early settlement of Schenectady than this proi)rietor, who 
died January 8th, 1696, aged about 72 years. His eldest 
son, named 

Peter Veeder, on the 9th day of June, 1704, married A^«eZ^^e, 
daughter of Class Van Der Volgen ; left three sons and one 
daughter surviving him, but was not living, June 26th, 1709, 
when his youngest son, Peter, was l)orn. His father gave 
him lands on the Norman's kill. 

Gerrit Veeder, second son of Simon Volkertse, married, 
October 3d, 1690, Tryntje (Catharine), daughter of Helmer 
(William) Often. She was the only child of Otten, who 
died in 1676. His widow, Ariantie (Harriet), daughter of 
Arent Andriesc Bradt, called the JSfoorman, sul)sequently, 
about nine months after his decease, married Rycr Schermer- 
horn. Gerrit Veeder died in 1755, and left surviving him 
five sons, respectively named Helmers, Wilhelmus, Hendri- 
cus, Simon, and Cornells ; and four daughters, named En- 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 41 

gletie, married to Johannis Vedcler ; Ariantje, married to 
Daniel Daiiielse Van Antwerpen ; Amiaiie, married to Wil- 
liam Bancker ; and Hellena, married to John Bancker. 

Gerrit owned the land about Veeder's mills, early in the 
18th century, and had a lease, from the Church, of the mill 
privilege, in 1718. Through his wife, Catharine, he obtained 
possessions of lots in the village, on the north and west cor- 
ners of Union and Church streets, which she had inherited 
from her father, Otten, 

Otten had, in 1670, purchased from Peter Adriance, called 
Sogemakelyk, also an original proprietor, twenty-six morgans 
of land, which became afterwards the old Schermerhorn mill 
farm, now in Rotterdam ; also a village lot, two hundred feet 
square, located on the southwest corner of Union and Church 
streets. These his daughter Catharine did not inherit, for it 
seems at his death John Van Ejjs owned and occupied the 
village lot, and Rye7^ Schermei'/iom, who married his widow, 
as stated, owned the twenty-six morgans. 

Intending to apply my genealogical data only to the old 
proprietors and their inmiediate descendants, the writer, at 
this point, cannot resist the temptation to add something 
about " Ri/er Schermerho7m,'^ a truly early settler and remark- 
ably shrewd man, who married the daughter of a proprietor, 
and the widow of one of the most opulent citizens of 
Beverwyck. 

Mr. Schermerhorn was always a prominent actor in the 
early days of Schenectady. He was the oldest son of Jacob 
Janse SohermerJiorne, who was the ancestor of all the Scher- 
merhoriies in this country, born at Waterland, Holland, in 
1622, we find Jacob Janse a prosperous brewer and trader at 
Beverwyck, as early as 1648. 

"In that year, he was arrested at Fort Orange, b}^ Gov- 
ernor Stuyvesant's order, on a charge of selling arms and 
ammunition to the Indians. His books and papers were 
seized, and himself removed a prisoner to Fort Amsterdam, 
where he was sentenced to banishment for five years, with 
the confiscation of all his property. 

" By the interference of some leading citizens, the first part 



42 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

of the sentence was stricken out, but his property was totally 
lost. These proceedings against Schernierhorn formed subse- 
quently a ground of complaint against Stuyvesant to the 
States General." (O'Callaghan's His. N. Netherlands, Vol. 
1, p. 441.) Some evidence that even at that early day Gov- 
ernor Stuyvesant was no trifler. 

Jacob Jcuise made his will May 26th, 1688, and soon after 
died at Schenectady. Notwithstanding his losses by confis- 
cation, in 1648, his estate, amounting to 56,882 guilders, was 
large for the times. He left surviving him five sons, named 
Eyer, Symon, Jacob, Cornelius, and Lucas ; also three 
daughters, named Machtelt, Januette and Neeltie. 

Ryer Scher7nerhoim,, this oldest and remarkable son of Jacob 
Janse, in July, 1676, married Ananfje, daughter of Arent 
Arentse Bradt, and widow of Helmer Otten, of Albany ; 
inmiediately after marriage, Ryer settled in Schenectady, 
upon Bowery No. 4, on the flats, heretofore known as 
" Schermerhorn's Mills," which, after being in possession of 
the family for two hundred years, has lately passed to other 
owners. This property came to Ryer through his wife, 
Ariantje, whose first husband, Otten, i^urchased it of the 
original proprietor, Peter Adrianse (Sogemakelyk). 

R}er Schcrmerhorn was one of the Jive patentees of the 
township of Schenectady, granted in 1684, and was the sole 
surviving patentee of the townsliip in 1705, when he was 
complained of as exercising arbitrary power over the town 
alfairs, and rendering no account of his proceedings. Of this 
more will be subsequently written. In 1690, he was a mem- 
l)er of the Provincial Assembly from Albany county, and 
also a Justice of the Peace. In 1700, he was appointed an 
Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He made 
his will April 5th, 1717, and died February 19th, 1719. 
His wife, Ariantje, died in 1717. He left surviving him 
three sons, John, Jacob and Arent ; also two daughters, 
Catalina, wife of Johannes Wenq), and Janncke, Avife of Vo\- 
kert Simonse Vecder. 

The writer, for the picscnt, would have continued the 
Schcrmerhorn Wuc no further, except to correct inq)ressions 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 43 

held by some confounding the two lif/ers, grandfatlicr and 
gnindson, both shrewd and remarkaljle men. 

John, the eldest sou ot" Ryer Schennei-horn, inherited the 
homestead farm at the '' 8chuylenberg " Mills, etc. ; and on the 
8th of April, 1711, married Engeltie, daughter of Jan Hen- 
drickse Vrooman. He died in 1752, and his wife in 1754. 
Left surviving him six sons, named Ryer, the eldest, born 
September 24th, 1716, so often in traditional data confounded 
with his distinguished grandfather. Of this grandson Ryer, 
more will be written hereafter. The other sons, brothers of 
Ryer, were named John, Simon, Bartholemew, Jacob and 
Bernhardus Fi-eeman. John also left six daughters ; Ariantje, 
married to Nicholas De Graff; Gezina, married to Philip 
Van Patten ; Catalina, married to John Dodds ; Neeltje, 
married to Class Viele ; Magdalena, died mmiarried, and 
Jannetje, married to Barent Veeder. 

After this, as it is claimed, justifiable digression, we return 
to Simon Volckertse Veeder's line. 

John Veeder, his third son, on the 19th of November, 1697, 
married Susanna, daughter of Myndert Wemp, and for his 
second wife, June 3d, 1718, married Susanna Wendell, of 
Albany. He died in 1746, and left surviving him two sons, 
named, respectivel}^ Myndert and Simon ; also three daugh- 
ters, Engeltie, man-ied to Jacobus La Grange, M-aria, and 
Dehora, married lirst to Ryer Wemp, secondly to Dowe 
Fonda. 

VoUkert, his fourth son, August 6th, 1693, married Jan- 
nitie, daughter of the elder Ryer Schermerhorn. By his 
father's will he hiherited farm No. 9 on the Bouwlaud (Flats). 
He died August 12th, 1733, and left surviving him four sons, 
respectively named Simon, Ryer, John and Hendricus, and 
three daughters, Ariantje, married to William Daasen ; 
Susanna, married to Harmauus Vedder, and Catalyntje, mar- 
ried to Simon Veeder. 

Folica, a daughter of Simon Volkertse, married Barent 
Janse Wamp, who was appointed captain of a company of 
foot by Jacob Leisler in 1690. 

Gertrude, also a dauahter, July 4th, 1680, married ,John 



44 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Hendrickse Vroomaii. They left many descendants, and 
their son Peter, born Octo))er 2d, 1688, was killed at the 
Beaukendual massacre, three miles northwest of Schenectady 
in 1748. 

Magdalena, another daughter, married William Appel, who 
was severely wounded at the burning of Schenectady in 
1690, as was also his brother John Appel. 

8v;ear (^Ahasiiera.s) Teunine Van Velsen (alias Van West- 
brock), was the Jffth named proprietor. In 1664, he married 
Manlie Mijnderse, widow of Jan Barentse Wemjj. About 
this time he removed from Lubbeixla's land (Troy) to Sclie- 
nectady, and built a gnst-7mll on Mill lane. This was carried 
awa}^ by a flood, and rebuilt by him in 1673. In considera- 
tion of his loss, the community generally allowed him to take 
one-eighth instead of one-tenth as a toll out of grain ground 
there. 

Besides the one-half of the great Van Slyck island, pur- 
chased by him of Jan Barentse Wemp, who had previously 
obtained the one-half interest therein of Martin Mouris Van 
Slyck, which he held conjointly with Jacques Cornelise Van 
Slyck, the l)rother of Martin Mouris, who owned the other 
equal undivided one-half, he owned the land on the south 
side of State street from Church street, including Mill lane, 
nearly to Cowhorn creek, and extending upon the lowland so 
as to conq)rehend about 25 acres. 

Swear Teunise (so always called) was a much-respected and 
influential citizen of Schenectady. In 1676, he was a magis- 
trate of the village, and one of the Ave patentees named in 
the great Township grant conflrmed in 1684. He was slain 
in the massacre of 1690, with his wife and four negro slaves, 
leaving no descendants or heirs. 

Before his death it was understood, and so stated by him, 
that he had, in his will, devised one-half of his proi)erty to 
sustain the preaching of the Gospel in the Church, which was 
located near his dwelling, and the residue to the children of 
his wife by her first marriage, of which there were two sons 
and three daughters, viz, : 

Mijndeit Wemj), the eldest, born in 1649, married DeboraJi, 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 45 

daughter of Evart Jaiise Wendell, of Albany. He was 
appointed justice of the peace for Schenectady by Jacob 
Lcisler, in 1689. He was killed at the massacre, February 
9th, 1690, and his son John with two of his negro men were 
carried into captivity. Major John Alexander Glen, of 
Scotia, married his widow June 21st, 1691. 

Barent Wemp, the second son, born in 1656, married FoJJvje, 
daughter of Simon Volckertse Veeder. He was appointed 
captain of a company of foot, at Schenectady, by Leisler, 
in 1690. 

Grietje (Margaret), the eldest daughter of Jan Barentse, 
feorn in 1651, died unmarried. 

Anna, another daughter, born in 1653, married Captain 
Alexander Glen, and after his decease, in 1695, she married 
Abraham Groot. 

Aliie (Alida), also a daughter, married Jan Cornelise Van 
der Heyden. 

After his decease, no will of Swear Teunise Van Vclsen 
could be found, and if it ever existed was burned with his 
other property at the time of the massacre, and consequently 
the church had no claim upon any portion of his estate ; but 
in 1696, a friendly compromise was eftected between the 
interested parties — -the church taking that portion of his land 
lying on the south side of State street between Church and 
Dock streets, together with the grist-mill, and his wife's heirs, 
hereinbefore named, the remainder, 

Peter Adrmnce (commonly called Sogemakel}'k) was the 
sixth named i)roprietor. He had been for many years an 
innkeeper at Beverw^ck. He was arrested by the revenue 
officer, Johan De Dekare, for refusing to pay the excise on 
his sales of wine, beer, etc. He denied the right of the officer 
of Fort Orange to collect this excise in the Colonic where he 
lived, and in this he was sustained by the Patroon and other 
independent residents, which resulted in the defeat of the 
claim. 

On the apportionment among the proprietors, he received 
twenty-six morgans of land, whicii was afterwards and is now 
known as the old Schermerhorn Mill farm in Eotterdam. He 



46 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

also received a village lot two hundred feet square, on the 
southwest corner of Union and Church streets. Peter Adri- 
ance did not reside long at Schenectady, for in 1670 he sold 
both his farm and village lot to Helmer Olten. He, Adriance, 
left three children, named Peter, John, and a daughter, who 
married John Manglese. 

Cornelius Anlonisen Van Shjch, called by the ]\Iohawks, 
Broer Cornel is {brother Cornelvi), was the seventh named 
proprietor, and an early settler at Beverwyck. Previous to 
1640, he married a Mohawk chieftain's daughter, by whom 
he had several children, viz. : Jacques, Martin Mouris, Hillitie 
and Leah. Martin Mouris (Maurice) gave name to the island 
lying between the Mohawk river and main Biunekill, west of 
Schenectady (now called Van Slyck's island). This son, 
Martin Mouris, tradition hands down, died early in 1662. 

Cornelius Antonisen was a proprietor, and received his 
portion on division, but the location of his farm and village 
lot the writer has been unable to determine, or even whether 
he was, at any time, a settled resident of Schenectady. His 
original home was Beverwyck, but the most of his time was 
})assed among the jNIohawks, at their upper or great castle of 
Canajoharie, either as an interpreter for the province, or as a 
trader, or because he had married among them, and been 
adopted l)y the tribe. 

Such marriages were not deemed disreputable, for the 
Mohawks enjoyed high character among the tribes of North 
America, and were wonderfully generous in grants or outtits 
of land to their white friends, and especially to married con- 
nections of the tribe, which last were uniformly adopted as 
members of their community. 

Cornelis Antonisen died in 1676, at an advanced age, foiu'- 
teen years after the decease of his son, Martin Mouris. He 
was reputed to 1)e a man of excellent character and unbend- 
ing integrity, possessing great iniluence among the iVIohawks 
particularly, and the Five Nations generally. By reason of 
his eminent services, on several occasions, in bringing about 
pcaic willi the natives, he; received a [)atent for a large tract 
of land at Catskill. He also ownetl land at the Cohoes, 



OllIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 47 

granted to him by the Mohawks, near their old castle, at the 
mouth of the Mohawk river. 

Accustomed, as Cornelis Antonisen was, to Indian customs 
and peculiarities, it certainly tells much for his sense of what 
was due to his civiHzation and early education, that, during 
his life, he had only one wife and one family. It was owing 
to this sterling character, aided by his extended landed mter- 
ests, that, although his son, Martin Mouris, died young and 
unmarried, his son, Jacques, and his daughters, Hillitie and 
Leah, and their respective descendants, married among the 
most respectable, full-l)lood, white families in tlie province. 
This fact might be illustrated by a well-preserved genealogi- 
cal table, but it would exceed the proposed limit of this local 
history ; so the writer contents himself with adding, the son, 
Jacques Cornelise, will be treated of hereafter as one of the 
early proprietors of Schenectady. 

Hillitie, the eldest daughter of Cornelis Antonisen, married 
Peter Danielse Van Olinda, of Niskayuna. She was for many 
years employed as Provincial interpreter with the Indians hy 
the government at $50 per annum. The Mohawk sachems in 
1667, gave her the Great Island in the Mohawk river ai Nis- 
kayuna. She and her husband sold the island in 1669 to 
Capt. Johannes Clute. The sachems also gave to her land at 
the Willoiv Flat, below Port Jackson, and at the Boght on 
the Mohawk in Watervliet. She died Fel)ruary 10th, 1707, 
leaving three sons, Daniel, Jacob and Mathew. The last 
died unmarried. 

Daniel, the oldest son, June 11th, 1696, married Lysheth 
Kregear, a grand-daughter of the old Burgomaster Martin us 
Gregier, and left surviving him three sons, Peter, John and 
3Iartin. 

Jacob, the second son, married Eva, daughter of Class De 
Graff, and left four sons, named Pe'er, William, Martin, and 
Nicholas ; also one daughter, Helena, who on the 16tli June, 
1723, married Johannes Quackenbos. 

Leah, the youngest daughter oi Cornelis Antonisen, married, 
tirst, Class Willemse Van Coppernol, who hired the farm 
of William Teller at Schenectady, and subsequently settled 



48 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

on land of his wife at the Willegen, below Port Jackson. He 
died in 1692, leaving one son named William. She sul)se- 
quently, July 24th, 1693, married Jonathan Stevens, who had 
leased Lysbeth Brower's farm at the Iloeck in Scotia in 1697. 
He came from New England, and was born in 1675. Before 
his death he owned a home lot in Schenectady, and a farm 
about four miles northeast of the town, on the north side of 
the Mohawk river. At his death he left surviving two sons, 
named Henricus and Arent, also two daughters, named 
Annatje and Dina. 

Hendiicus, the oldest son, born Novem])er 10th, 1697, mar- 
ried, May 29th, 1730, Maria Phoenix, of New York. He 
resided there, and on his decease left two sons surviving 
him, viz., Arent and Johannes. 

Arent, the youngest son of Jonathan, born July 26th, 1702, 
married, first, Maritie, daughter of AVilliam Hall, February 
3d, 1726 ; second, Mary Griffiths, widow of Lieut. Thomas 
Burrows, February 4th, 1749. Arent died May 17th, 1758. 
For more than 20 years before his decease he acted as Indian 
interpreter, and was often employed by Sir Wm. Johnson in 
negotiations with the difterent tribes. He had by his two 
marriages six sons and four daughters, respectively named 
Jonathan, William, Nicholas, John, Jacobus, Richard, Oatrina, 
Maria, Lea and Anna. There is only proper room to par- 
ticularize one of them. 

Jonathan, his oldest child, l)orn December 1, 1726, who, as 
first lieutenant under Capt. Wm. McGinnis, with 89 men of 
Schenectad}^, was at the ])attle of Fort George, September 
7th, 1755, where l)oth officers were killed, and the company 
then decimated ; this was the preliminar}^ ambush fight with 
Baron Dicskaw, where the great King Hendrick and the gal- 
lant Col. Ephraim Williams (the munificent founder of Wil- 
liams College, and after whom it is named) Avere killed. 
According to Sir Wm. Johnson's official report, the Sche- 
nectady officers and men '■'■fougJd like lionsJ' 

Jonathan Stevens was less than thirty years of age and un- 
married, at the time he was killed. Captain McGinnis married 
Margaret, daughter of Peter Veeder, February 21st, 1751, 



OEIGINAL PROPRIETOES. 49 

and left an only child, Alexander, who died February 13th, 
1770. 

Getrit Bancker was the eighth proprietor named. He 
hailed from Amsterdam, in Holland. He was at JSTew Ams- 
terdam before 1655, and, in 1667, was settled at Beverwyck, 
Avhere he continued to reside until his death, in 1691. When 
Arent Van Curler began the settlement of Schenectady, in 
1661, he became one of the original proprietors. Farm lot. 
Number six, on the Bouwland, was apportioned to him, and 
his village lot comprised the northerly quarter of the block 
bounded by Washington, Union, Church and State streets. 
His son, Evert, held this property until 1702, when he sold 
it to Isaac Svvits. 

Gerrit Bancker left two children : Evert, born January 
24th, 1665, who, on the 24th day of September, 1686, mar- 
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher Jans Abeel ; also a 
daughter, Anna, who married Johannes De Peyster, of New 
York, September 21st, 1688. 

William Teller was the ninth proprietor named. He was 
born in Holhind, A. D. 1620, and was the first Teller who 
came to the New Netherlands, arriving at New Amsterdam in 
1639, when he was sent to Fort Orange, by Governor Kieft, 
and entered into the service of the West India Company. He 
was " Wachtmeester " of the Fort, and for many years a trader 
at Beverwyck, continuing his residence there from 1639 to 
1692, when he removed to New York, accompanied by all of his 
sons, except his son John, who was settled at Schenectady. 

William Teller married Margaret Dongan, a sister to 
Alexander Lindsey Glen's wife. He was not only an original 
proprietor, but one of the live patentees mentioned in the first 
patent of the town, granted by Governor Dongan, in 1684. 
On the apportionment, in 1664, his allotments on the Flats 
were numbered five, the foremost lot lying on the west side 
of, and separated hy, the Tellers Killitie from Elias Van 
Guysling's farm. This Van Guysling farm, situated on the 
Bouwland, in Rotterdam, remained in that family from that 
time to 1865, when Cornelius Van Guysling died without issue. 
WilUam Teller's village lot, two hundred feet square, was 
4 



50 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

on the northeast corner of Union and "Washington streets. 
He gave all his real estate in Schenectady to his son John, in 
1700, who alone remained, when the rest of the family 
removed to New York, William Teller was an individual 
of wealth and great intiucnce in his day. He died in 1701, 
and left seven other children ; but as all the Tellers in this 
section of our country are descenaed from his son John, we 
will confine our further notices of the Teller family to that line. 

Jolin, oldest child of William Teller, l)orn in 1641, settled 
in Schenectady as early as 1659, and on the 18th August, 
1686, married the daughter of Capt. Johannes Wendell, of 
Albany. In 1690, on the burning of Schenectady, he was 
carried away captive by the French and Indians to ^Montreal, 
but was ransomed and returned after several months' deten- 
tion. In 1700 his father, William, in consideration that John 
had sustained heavy losses b}^ the destruction of Schenectady 
in 1690, conveyed to him his bowery and farm at that place. 
John died May 28th, 1725, aged about 84 years, leaving 
three sons and three daughters, viz. : 

William, born October 4th. 1695, was married on the 5th 
of March, 1731, to Catharine, daughter of Wm. Van Allen, 
of All)an3'. He lived on the Teller bowery. No. 5, next west 
of Teller's Killitie, and died April 25th, 1757. 

JoJni, second son of John, died mnnarried. 

Jacobus, third son of John, born July 15th, 1698, probably 
died unmarried, 

Margaret, a danglder of JoJtn, born February 19th, 1693, 
married Jacob Schermei-horn. 

Maria, another daughter, born December 25th, 1700, mar- 
ried Abraham Glen, of Scotia. 

Anna, also a daughter, born February 20th, 1704, married 
Ilarmanus Veeder. 

JoJin, son of William, Jr., married June, daughter of John 
Dclamont. 

Jacobus, also a son of Williani, Jr., mai-ried Maria, daugh- 
ter of Joseph R. Yates. In 1764 he was an Indian trader 
in company with John and Henry Glen, and was killed by 
the Indians at Detroit, September 27th, 1784. This was the 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 51 

father of William James Teller, a talented and prominent law- 
yer of Schenectady, who died July 19th, 1815, aged 40 years, 
and who was the first surrogate of Schenectady county. 

William, also a. son of William, Jr., married Helena, 
daughter of Jacobus Van Eps. 

Thus, from the line of his one son, John Telle?-, the blood 
of the old proprietor, William Teller, circulates through sev- 
eral channels in this community. 

Bastian De Winter was the tenth proprietor named. He 
came from ]Middleburgh, in Holland, and was at Schenectady 
as early 1662. On the apportionment his village lot, 200 feet 
square, was situated on the southeast corner of Church and 
Union streets, and his farm on the Flats was subsequently 
known as Elias Van Guysling's plantasie. Falling sick in 
1670, he sold all his real estate to Elias Van Guysling and 
others, with the intention of returning to Holland, but died 
before doing so. He left no heirs in this country, and in 
1678 the Dutch Church at Albany (the Church at Schenec- 
tady being not yet erected) claimed and in some way obtained 
his property for the use of the poor. 

Bastian De Winter, as the attorne}" of Catalina, widow of 
Arent Andries Bradt (commonly called "The Noorman " ), 
became, as such attorney, the eleventh proprietor named. Mr. 
Bradt became one of the proprietors of Schenectady in 1662, 
but died soon after and before any apportionment was made, 
leaving his widow, Catalina, and six children surviving him. 
After his death the Flats land and village lot which fell to 
his share was confirmed to his wid(nv, through De Winter, 
for herself and Bradt's children. The farm was No. 1 on the 
Bouwland, and the village lot was the southwest quarter of 
the block bounded by Washington, Union, Church and State 
streets, and was 200 feet square, Amsterdam measure. 

This Catalina Bradt was the daughter of Andries De Vos, 
a magistrate and Deputy-Director of Rensselaer wyck. She 
was reputed to be a ladj^ of intelligence and good education 
for the limited opportunities of that day. She had great and 
sad experience in the early history of Schenectady. 

In 1664, she married, for her second husband, Barent Jans 



52 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADr COUNTY. 

Van Ditmars, who. Avitli his son Cornelius, their only child, 
were killed ut the mussuere of Schenectady in 1690. Her 
oldest son by her first marriage, Androese Arentse Bradt 
Breicer, who had niaiiied a daughter of Jacques Conielise Van 
Sh/c/c, aged 37 ^ears, "was killed, with one of his children, at 
the same time ; but left surviving him a son, Arent, who 
subsequently became one of the most prominent and distin- 
guished citizens of Schenectady. Andriese Arent also left a 
daughter named Bethsheba. Andriese's widow, about 1698, 
married Hurmanus Veclder. 

Then, too, her daughter Cmiielia (who had married John 
Pootman [Putman]) and her husband were both massacred at 
the same fearful time of destruction. Yet, notwithstanding 
such afflicting calamities, the blood of the old proprietors, 
Arent Andries and Catalina, still courses in the veins of 
many of Schenectady's sons and daughters. 

For, of their remaining children, Aeffie (Eve) married 
Nicholas Van Patten, who came to Schenectady in 1664, and 
in 1668 purchased the Bowery of Cornelise Van Isselstyue, 
lying next west of the farm of Ryer Schermerhorn, who Avas 
his brother-in-law. This farm remained in the Van Patten 
family for several generations. They each lived to an ad- 
vanced age. He died October 3d, 1728, aged 87 years, 5 
months ; she died January 23d, 1728, aged 78 years. In 
1690, he was appointed a justice of the peace by Leisler. 

Arent, the oldest son of Nicholas, April 10th, 1703, mar- 
ried Jannefje, daughter of Phili[) Con_yn, of Albany. 

Andries, another son of Nicholas, December 26th, 1712, 
married Muike, daughter of Jacob Ten Eyck, of Albany. 

Nicholas, also a son of Nicholas, Sr., April 20th, 1712, 
married Rebecca, a daughter of Simon Groot, Jr. 

Deborah, another dau[/hler oH Nichohis, Sr., April 1st, 1700, 
married Cornelius Viele. Sr., who was the tirst Viele settled 
at Maalwyck, on the north shore of the Mohawk river, about 
two miles above the Reformed Church in Scotia. 

Calalf/nje, also a daughter of Nicholas, Sr., November 8th, 
1694, married Tennis Dirkse Van Vechten, of Lunenburgh 
(now Athens), Greene county. 



ORIGIlSrAL PROPRIETORS. 53 

Gerlrude. also a daughfer o^ N'\cho\as, Sr., April 17th, 1687, 
miii-fied Lourens Class Van der Volgeii. At the destruction 
of Schenectudy, in l(i90, he w;is carried away captive to 
Canada by the Indians, with whom he remained several 
years — so late as 1699 — acquiring a perfect knowledge of 
their language. After his return he was appointed interpre- 
ter of the Province for the Five Nations, at a salary of £Q0 
per annum ; which office he held until his decease in 1740. 

Harriet, another daagJder of Catalina Bradt, and widow of 
Helmer Otten, in July, 1676, married Ryer Schcrmerhorn, 
son of Jacob Janse Schermerhorn. Their immediate chil- 
dren have been hereinbefore noticed. But it is deemed 
proper to note some particulars about their grandson, a son 
of their son John, named Ryer, who was a man of remarkable 
perseverance, energy, and determination. 

Rijer Sdiermerhorne was born 24th September, 1716. 
June 8th, 1746, he married Maria, daughter of Corset Ved- 
der, and secondly, Maria, daughter of Ryckert Van Vranken, 
June 8th, 1750. He died March 6th, 1795, and had always 
resided at Schuybergh (the Mills). 

Richard, son of Ri/er, born March 9lh, 1755, married 
Annatje Van Vechten. His daughter Maria, July 18th, 1779, 
married Douwe J. Clute, and his daughter Helena, Novem- 
ber 8th, 1781, married Ni(;holas P. Clute. 

Maria, a daughter of Rjer, born November 10th, 1752, 
married Peter Van Guysling, in 1770. 

Gerrit, a son of Ri/er, born October 23cl, 1763. On May 
18th, 1787, married Alarigritje, daughter of Arent Schcr- 
merhorn, Jr. He died in Rotterdam, March 24th, 1848, in 
his eighty-fifth year, leaving the following children : Ja- 
comyntje, born August 10th, 1790 ; Maria, born March 27th, 
1792 ; Jacob, born May 28th, 1794 ; Catharia, born Septem- 
ber 27th, 1796. 

Engeltie, a daughter of Ryer, born August 11th, 1762, 
married Class Schermerhorn. She died October 6th, 1834, 
aged seventy-three years, one month and twenty-five days. 

Bartholemeio, another son of Ryer, born August 24th, 
1757. On the 10th day of July, 1785, married Annatje, 



54 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

daughter of John Teller. He died at his country seat in 
Rotterdam (the Mills), July Ifith, 1845, aged eighty-seven 
years. His wife died May 4th, 1844, in her seventy-seventh 
year. 

Ryer, their oldest son, wjis a printer, born December 8th, 
1786. He married Gertrude Abel, and died November 11th, 
1850. 

John, their second son, born October 12tli, 1787. On the 
6th of April, 1806, married Gertrude, daughter of Andries 
Van Patten. He died February 29th, 1872. 

Bartholemew Teller, born March 26th, 1807. 

Andrew Vedder, born April 18th, 1809. 

Ann Maria, born December 18th, 1811. 

William, born June 30th, 1814. 

Angelica, born February 25th, 1819. 

Barnardus Freeman, born February 4th, 1821. 

Abram Van Patten, born July 9th, 1823. 

Simon, , born October 4th, 1824. 

James, , born January 17th, 1827. 

Bartholemew, their third son, "vvas born December 8th, 
1789. 

Jane, their daughter, born April 16th, 1792, married 
Nicholas Viele, of Glenville. She died November 17th, 
1860. He died November 24th, 1861. 

Maria, a daughter of Bartholemew Schermerhorn, Sr., 
born July 26th, 1794. Died April 5th, 1816. 

Annatje, also a daughter, born August 14th, 1799, married 
Jacob De Forrest, Jr., of Rotterdam, and died April 27th, 
1851, aged fifty-two years. 

Bernai'dus Freeman, also a son oi' Bartholemew, born 
December 22d, 1801, died suddenly, August 25th, 1871, at 
a religious meeting in the First Dutch Reformed Church of 
Schenectady. 

Catharine, a daughter of Bartholemew, born Octoljer 9tli, 
1804, married James B. Schermerhorn, of Rotterdam. 

Eliza Margaret, the youngest daughter of Bartholemew, 
born October 13th, 1811, married Martin Deforrest, of 
Schenectady, September 19th, 1832. 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 55 

It has been said that Bjer Schermerhorn, the father of 
Bartholeniew, and grandson of the first Ryer, was a man of 
remarkable perseverance, energy and determination. An 
iUnstration cannot be out of place at this point. It is handed 
down by well established authority, that shortly after the 
termination of the Eevolutionary War, when the lono--con- 
tested suit of Kyer Schermerhorn against The Trustees of the 
Schenectady Patent was pending in our Supreme Court, Ryer 
Schermerhorn, the plaintiff, was unexpectedly informed by 
his counsel, Judge James Duane, that certain documents, then 
in the hands of one Apple, at New York, must be in court at 
Albany, within eight days from that time, or his cause would 
be greatly endangered. Bear in mind, there were then no 
telegraphs, no steamboats, no stage-routes, miserable roads, 
only a weekly mail, the sloops took generally two weeks, 
sometimes three, to accomplish the distance between Albany 
and New York. Nothing daunted, Schermerhorn started, 
single-handed, in a canoe from Albany ; went to New York, 
procured the necessary documents, and on the morninf»- of 
the first session of court, much to the surprise and gratification 
of his counsel, delivered him the desired papers. This cer- 
tainly would be called something of a feat for a young man 
of the present day. 

Samuel Bradt, another son of Arent Andreas and Catalina, 
married Susanna, another daughter of Jacques Cornelise Van 
Slyck. 

Arent, their oldest child, built and resided in the ancient 
brick house, now standing southwest of the first lock above the 
city. He married Catnna, daughter of Jan Pieterse Mabie ; 
she died in 1773, aged 82 years, 2 months, 17 days. They 
had five sons and five daughters. Their youngest child 
Angelica, born August 26th, 1733, Avho this writer has often 
seen, married Daniel Campbell, of Schenectady. 

Margaret, a daughter of Samuel, born April 26th, 1686, 
married Capt. Daniel Toll, who, on the 18th July, 1748, was 
murdered by the French Indians, at a place (in the i)resent 
town of Glenville) called the Kleykuil, less than half a mile 
north of Beaukendual, where, on the same day, Nicholas De 



56 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Graff and 24 others were killed by the French and Indians. 
They had two sons and live danghters. Their second daughter, 
Elizabeth, born January 14th, 1721, married the Eev. Corne- 
lius Van Santvoord. Their youngest daughter, Gertrude, 
born August 7th, 1729, married Jillis Clute. 

Jacobus, second son of Samuel, born January 3d, 1695, 
married 3Iargaret, daughter of Johannes Ckite. They had 
five sons and three daughters. Their daughter. Data, born 
January 30th, 1732, married Abraham Watson. 

Gatalyntje, another daughter of Samuel, born December 
21, 1701, married Jacobus Van Slyck, September 2d, 1732. 
He was colonel and commanding ofiicer at Schenectady, in 
1754. He was member of Assembly in 1750 and 1771. He 
left two sons — Harmamis, born August 5th, 1733, and Samuel, 
born March 17th, 1738 ; and two daughters — Gertrude, born 
November 1st, 1734, and Jannetje, born June 13th, 1736. 
This last married Philip Riley. 

Susanna, also a daughter of Samuel, born January 2d, 1704, 
married Bartholemew Vrooman, March 11th, 1726. 

Andreas, another son of Samuel, born October 28th, 1705, 
married Anna De Graff, of Esopus, January 29th, 1743. 

Samuel, son of Samuel, born April 30th, 1707, married 
Gatharina, daughter of Arent Van Patten, October 10th, 
1732. They had four sons and six daughters. 

Ephraim, also a son of Samuel, l)orn February 12th, 1712, 
married Glara, daughter of Philip Borsie, and widow of Cor- 
nelius Viele, Jr., in May, 1751. They had three daughters, 
of whom Susanna married David Siger ; Gomelia married 
Martin Van Benthuysen, and Margaret married Nicholas Van 
Patten. 

Dvrch Bradt, another son of Arent Andrease and Catalina, 
born in 1661, married Maritie, daughter of Jan Baptist Van 
Eps, He inherited his ste})-father Van Bockhoven's farm, 
in Niskayuna (Van Bockhoven was the third husband of his 
mother, Catalyntje). They had three sons and four daugii- 
ters. Galalina, born June 27th, 1695, married, in 1725, AVm. 
Berrit. Maria, born September 22d, 1698, married Rykert 
Van Vranken. John, born May 22d, 1704, married, Febru- 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 57 

aiy 10th, 1732, Margaretta, daiightei- of Gerrit E. Van 
Vninken. Birch, born July 20th, 1710, married, November 
5th, 1732, Annatje, daughter of Arent D. Van Antwerpen. 

Oatalina — This venerable woman, the daughter of Andras 
De Vos, Deputy-Director of Eenssehierwyck, and the ances- 
tress of most of the Bradts, Schermerhorns and Veeders, 
hereinbefore noticed, was thrice married. First, in 1648, to 
Arent Andreese Bradt, to whom she liore all her children, 
except one to her second Jiusband, Van Ditmars. Arent 
Andreese dying in 1662, on the 12th of November, 1664, she 
married Barent Jans Van Ditmars, who, with his son Corne- 
lius, their only child, was killed at the niiussacre in 1690. 
Cornelius had married Catharine, a daughter of John Alexander 
(xlen, of Scotia, who, after his death, married Gerrit Lansin<r 
Jr. In 1691, Catalina married Class Janse Van Bochhoven, 
her third husband. He made his will January 11th, 1698, 
devising his whole estate equally to the six Bradt children of 
his wife Catalina. She survived him, and died in 1712, aged 
about eighty-four years. 

It has been stated that Andries Arent Bradt (brewer, son 
of Catalina), and one of his children, Avere killed at the mas- 
Siicre in 1690 ; but he left two children surviving him — 
Bathsheba, a daughter, subsequently married to Charles 
Burns, and Captain Arent Andrees Bradt, a son, who, under 
then existing laws of the Cohniy, was the right heir of his 
grandfather, Arent Andries, one of the first settlers of 
Schenectady. 

I have no means of ascertaining accurately when Captain 
Amh'ees was born, but with the knowledge that his father, 
Arent Andrees, was killed in 1690, at the age of thirty-seven 
years, and that Captain Bradt was married March 4th, 1705, 
to Jannetje, daughter of John Hendrickse Vi'ooman (brother 
to the heroic Adam Vrooman, the bold defender of his home 
in 1690). it is quite safe to assume, as an approximation, that 
he was l)orn about the year 1680, and, ;is he died in 1767, 
he must have been, at the time of his death, about the age 
of eighty-seven ; tradition hands it down as about ninety 
years. 



58 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Captain Braclt was one of the most remarkable citizens of 
Schenectady's olden time, and was distinguished for marked 
decision and probity of character. He was a member of the 
Provincial Assembly in 1745, and a trustee of the township 
of Schenectady from 1715 to 1767, when he died — a period 
of 52 years — l)eing for many years sole surviving trustee. 
And well kuowing the legal difHculties and contentions which 
had previously existed, through the claims of Kyer Scher- 
merhorn, his relative and a former surviving trustee, to own- 
ersJdjp ; to prevent a recurrence of such claims and litigation, 
he, with great care and solemnity, executed a will of date 
March 11th, 1765, which was admitted to probate at Albany 
November 19th, 1770. 

It became the sheet-anchor of Schenectady's common land 
interests in subsequent legal conflicts with Ryer Schermer- 
horn and a tictitious set of trustees, appointed by him as 
the successor of his father, John, and his grandfather, Ryer, 
Sr., the old surviving trustee. (For an excmplifled copy of 
trustee Bradt's will, see Appendix, marked " C") 

Captain Bradt built and occupied, until his death, the 
ancient house with a brick front, standing on the north side 
of State street near Washington avenue (on his ancestral vil- 
lage lot), being the building now occupied by Mr. J. W. 
McMillan for his marljle Avorks. Its appearance is truly 
vencra))le. Its unpretentious Dutch gable, fronting on State 
street, was erected of brick imported from Holland. The 
building is deep in pr()})ortion to its frontage. Its pitch-pine 
timbers are immense, and apparently not affected by age, 
unless as they seem hardened and solidified. On a late visit 
to Bradt's homestead, I was pleasantly impressed with a true 
sense of Dutch solidity, and early, unostentatious love of 
real comfort. 

This is, unquestionably, the oldest building now remaining 
in the city of Schenectady ; but precisely when erected can- 
not now be determined. Old settlers have long called it the 
oldest dwelling, and unless it be the Scotia mansion, erected 
by John Alexander Glen, in 171o(Mi-. (J leu was thirty years 
older than Captain Bradt, and a cotemporary with him), the 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 59 

Bradt l)iiilding is proliably the oldest dwelling standing in 
the former Province of New York, nnless we also except the 
old Peniberton building standing on the corner of North 
Pearl and Columbia streets, in the city of Albany, believed 
to have been erected in 1710. 

While on the subject of old buildings, perhaps no more 
fitting place can be foimd to note that, in the destructive lire 
of 1819, which then so fearfully desolated the site of the 
original Schenectady of the proprietors, two very old build- 
ings, and of singularly antique structure, were destroyed — 
that of the Alexander Lindsey Glen family, of Schenectady, 
on AVashington street, then occupied by Colonel Jacob Beek- 
man, one of his descendants ; and the other, fronting the old 
public square, near the original Church of 1682, and standing 
between State and Water streets (at the time of its destruc- 
tion occupied by John H. Moyston as a dwelling and fancy- 
article store). The writer is not certain that this was the 
same building occupied by Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck as 
a licensed tapster or innkeeper, from 1671 to the time of his 
decease in the latter part of 1690 ; but it was located on the 
village lot apportioned to him as an original proprietor ; and 
as he was a great favorite with, and an adopted son of, the 
Mohawk nation, I think it probable that this old building (in 
any event very old in appearance and by tradition) was one 
of the five spared at the destruction of Schenectady. From 
intimacy with the occupants in his early years, this writer 
has A'isited both houses often, and can bear testimony to the 
appearance of their well-preserved, heavy pine timbers, and 
their exceedingly venerable aspect. They were called, by 
the aged inhabitants, the oldest houses of the settlement. I 
have before stated that a brick, taken from the ruins of the 
Glen building, bearing the evident marks of fire, and the 
deep-lined figures, 1666, is now in possession of Mrs. Anna 
M. Lee, residing at No. 80 Union street, Schenectady — a 
lineal descendant of Alexander Lindsey Glen — fortifies the 
general belief that it was one of the houses spared in 1690. 
I think the Adam Vrooman house, corner of Church and 
Front streets, was also saved. 



60 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADr COUNTY. 

The French account says only two houses were spared, one 
belonging to Coudre (John Alexander Glen) and another 
whither M. de Montigny had been carried when Avounded. 
Our accounts state that five buikliiigs were spared ; this 
probalily includes some outside of the palisades. 

Three old gable front buildings still stand, ornaments of 
our city, pleasing links between the comforts of the olden 
time, and the more costly, but sometimes less convenient struc- 
tures of Schenectady's later days. The dwelling No, 119 
Front street, now owned and occupied by Mr. John Marcellus, 
is reputed to be the oklest of them, and with some hite re[)airs, 
not altering its original form, is in an excellent state of pres- 
ervation. The date of its erection cannot now be exactly 
ascertained, but is believed from credible authority to have 
been in 1718.* 

The dwelling of Abraham Fonda, No. 27 Front street, 
built and occupied by him in 1752, is now owned and pos- 
sessed by his great-grandson, J^icholas Yates, Esq. 

The dwelling of the Rev. Barent Vrooman, No. 29 Front 
street, who was for 19 years pastor of the Dutch Church at 
Schenectady, from 1754 to November 13th, 1774, when he 
died, aged 59 years. This was a grandson of Adam Vroo- 
man, the heroic defender of his home in 1690. He built and 
occupied this house in 1754. It is now the property of and 
occu[)ied by Daniel Vedder, Esq., And it is, to every one of 
old descent, and must be to those of later lines and educa- 
tion, a matter of quiet gratification, that each of these old 
landmarks preserve their original outUnes and are kept in 
good order and preservation, even beautified with taste and 



* This house was formerly owned by Adam Van Slyck, who was an old 
man in 1800, and occupied by him and, subsequently by his son, Harma- 
nus. The old dilapidated house of Jacol) Fonda, the father of Major Jellis, 
is no doubt as old as the Van Slyck house. There was no other house feast 
of the latter on that side of Front street until some time after the war of 
the Revolution, when Joseph Carley, a veteran soldier of the Continental 
ai'my, built and occupied a building of modern form between the two. 

There is also a building of about the same age as the above-named, for- 
merly owned and occupied by Gerrit Van Antwerp, standing on the north 
side of Union street, next west of J. B. Clute's house. 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 61 

considerable expense, by those respective descendants of 
Schenectady's earliest settlers. 

The Bradt house in Eotterdam, standinof near the first lock 
on the Erie canal, is a really old building ; but the date of 
its erection cannot be accurately determined ; it was built by 
Arent Bradt, born in 1684, a full cousin of Captain Arent 
Andreas Bradt ; but as Arent, the son of Samuel, was the 
junior of Capain Bradt, and aided by traditions handed down, 
I have reached the conclusion that the Bradt house on State 
street is the oldest structure. 

TheVrooman house (often still so called) at the Sand kill, 
Brandyicine ]\HU site, is a very old building, as its Holland 
bricks indicate. Having with great interest examined it closely, 
I find it is a small double building, the two portions of which 
seem to have been erected at dilferent periods. The question 
is, was this house, or any portion of it, built by the heroic 
Adam Vrooman ? If so, it is, unquesti()nal)ly. the oldest 
dwelling standing in the State of New York. Besides the 
reputation of its antiquity, I otter the only data in my power. 
Adam Vrooman was a millwright ; in 1683 he built a mill (m 
the Sand kill, at a point near where the Brandywine Mill 
lately stood, and in 1708 obtained from the trustees of the 
township a patent for the Sand kill and adjacent lands for 
mill purposes,* 

Soon after 1754, the style of architecture in our venerable 
city was changed, and those comparatively modern structures, 
the John Glen mansion, now occupied by Mr. Swartfiguer, 
the Campbell mansion, by Mr. Stewart Myers, the Ten Eyek 
mansion, by the late Nicholas Cain, the Episcopal Church, the 
John Duncan mansion, on the southeast corner of Union and 



* In 1807, Isaac Vrooman, who was a grandson of Adam Vrooman, a 
surveyor by occupation, a justice of sessions, and member of the Provincial 
Assembly in 1759, and mayor of the burough township of Schenectady in 
176(5, died in this house on his farm at the Sand kill. This was the father 
of Lawrence Vrooman, the old surveyor, still so well remembered by many 
of our old citizens. I have seen in the possession of Gen. Wm. K. Fuller, 
a certificate in the hand-writing and under the seal of the old mayor, 
constituting his grandfather, Sanuiel Fuller, a citizen and freeman of the 
borough. 



62 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Ferry streets, with other prominent buildings, were erected ; 
and are old, indeed, for they were constructed at earlier or 
later dates, previous to the war of 1776. 

Pieter Danielse Van Olinda was the twelfth proprietor 
named. I have been unable to locate his village lot, or his 
farm on the Bouwlandt. He married Hillitie, the daughter 
of Cornelius Antonisen Van Slf/ck, and sister of Jacques 
Oomelise; she was a half-blood Mohawk, and was a paid 
interpretress of the Provincial Government. The Mohawks 
gave her several tracts of land. She died February 10th, 
1707. He died in 1716. They left three sons— Daniel, 
Jacob and Mathias. (For [)articulars see Hillitie, under the 
head of Van Slyck). 

Peter Jacobse Borsboom was the thirteentJi proprietor named. 
His house lot in the village, 200 feet square, was t^ie north- 
west quarter of the block bounded by Front, Washington, 
Church and Union streets. He had also two farms allotted 
to him on the Bouwland. He died in 1688, and left surviv- 
ing him one son, Cornelius, who died young and unmarried ; 
also four d;iughters, viz. : A.nna, who married John Pieterse 
Mabie. Maria, who married Hendrick Brawer. Fytie, who 
niarried Martin Van Benthuysen. CathariRe, ^vho married 
JoJm Oliver. 

Jan Barentse (Wemple) was the fourteenth proprietor 
named. He was an inhabitant of Beverwyck as early as 
1643. Having purchased the interest of Martin Maurice 
Van Slyck in 1662, he received, as joint-owner with Martin 
Maurice's brother, Jacques Cornelisc, a patent for the Great 
Island, lying immediately west of Schenectady ; which 
interest was subsequently owned by Swear Teunise Van 
Velsen, who had married Wemp's widow. Wemp also had 
a house lot in the village, on the west side of AV^ashington 
street, a little north on State street, with a front of 200 feet 
on Washington street, itnming down with equal width to 
the strand on the main Biimckill. He died in 1663, and 
left the following-named children surviving him, viz. : 

Mijndert, born in 1649, married to Deborah, daughter of 
Evert Janse Wendell, of Albany. He was appointed a Jus- 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 63 

tice of the Peace of Schenectady, by Leisler, in 1689. He 
was killed in the massacre of February, 1690, and his son 
John, with two of his negro slaves, carried into captivity. 
Thu son John, after his return, married Catalina, daughter 
of Ryer Schermerhorn, June 15th, 1700 ; and, secondl}', on 
the 6th of October, 1709, married Arianfje, daughter o^. Isaac 
Swits. He was one of the trustees of the Schenectady patent. 

Barent, the second son of Jan Barentse, born in 1656, 
married FoJlje, daughter of Sf/mon Volkertse Veeder. He 
was appointed Captain of a Company of Infantry, by Leisler, 
in 1690, and died in 1705, leaving a numerous family of 
children, from whom many of the inhabitants of this valley 
are descended. 

Maria, his daughter, ))orn in 1688, married Hendrick 
Vrooman. 

Etigeltie, his daughter, born in 1695, married Nicholas 
Hansen. 

Margaret, his daughter, born in 1697, married Simon V. 
Veeder. 

Anna, a daughter of Jan Barentse, l)orn in 1653, married 
Captain Alexander Glen, of Schenectady, a son of Alexander 
Lindsey Glen, of Scotia. 

Alida, another daughter, married Jan Cornelise Van der 
Heyden, of Beverwyck. 

Jacques Cornelius Van Slyck was the fifteenth and last 
proprietor named. He was born at the great Indian Castle, 
CanajoJiarie, in 1640. The Mohawks gave to him and his 
brother, Martin Maurice, the large island in the Mohawk 
river, lying immediately west of the city, and only separated 
from it by the main Binnekill ; to each brother the equal 
undivided one-half. Jan Barentse Wemp sul)sequently pur- 
chased the interest of Martin Maiuvice, which, as had been 
shewn, eventually vested in Swear Teunise Van Velsen. 

The Mohawks also gave Jacques Cornelise a tract of land, 
five miles above the city, on the south side of the Mohawk, 
a portion of which is still occupied by his lineal descendants. 
He also owned land on the Flats, apportioned to him as a 
proprietor, on the division, which I cannot locate, except that 



64 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

it was on the first Flat, and was, after liis decease, divided 
among his lieirs. 

His village lot, granted on the only public sqnare of the 
place, on which the first chnrch was erected, that front 
extending between State and Water streets, and running 
westerly along both streets, to an alley still existing, dividing 
the Van Slj'ck lot from the premises now owned and occu- 
pied by Mrs. Thomas B. Mitchell. 

Occupying this lot in 1671, he was one of the two licensed 
tapsters or inn-keepers in the village, Cornelis Cornelise 
Viele (sometimes called Dowe Aukesa Vielie) being the 
other. Vielie^s location was on the same small square, near 
the church site, fronting the square, occupying the ground 
from Mill lane to the west side of what is now Church street 
continued, and running down considerably on the Flats. 

If old traditions can be relied upon, the contentions 
between these two frontier rivals, as interpreters, traders and 
inn-keepers, were often subjects of serious complaint among 
the villagers. As some evidence, see Orders in Council, p. 
127. Arent Van Curler's widow continued to reside at Sche- 
nectady until her death, 15th January, 1677. The Order 
substantially runs thus : 

" In consideration of the loss of her husband, Arent Van 
Curler, in public service, and of her house, barn and corn, by 
fire, she should receive a license from Governor Lovelace to 
trade with the Indians. This was in 1672. It was thought 
also that her license would stop the quarrels of the other two 
ta[).sters, Cornelis Cornelise Viele and Jac(|ues Cornelise 
Gantsh (Van Slyck)." 

This Corntlis Cornelise Viele was the ancestor of the 
Vieles in this country, and was early settled in Schenectady. 
In 1668 he held the one-half of a farm on the Flats, in joint 
ownership with Class Frederickse Van Patten; and in 1671 
he was a licensed tapster or inn-keeper at Schenectady, and 
in 1677 removed to his farm on the aom^A side of the Mohawk 
river, on the '.' Sleenekill," about four miles w(\st of Sche- 
nectady. 

I am thus precise, to distinguish him from his son, 



ORIGIXAL PROPRIETORS. 65 

Cornells Cornelisse (often called Dowe Aukes Viele). It 
has been to nie a matter of some interest to ascertain how 
the name of Dowe Aukes became attached to Viele, and the 
circumstances are so interwoven with the early history of 
Schenectady, that, in this connection, I will state, Dowe 
Aukes was a citizen of Arnham, in Holland, born in 1G39, 
who- came to Schenectady in 1663, and settled as the first 
inn-keeper of the place, on the lot south corner of Mill lane 
and State street, near the location of the old church. That 
he married for his second wife, in 1685, Mana, daughter of 
Aernout Cornelisse Viele, the great Indian interpreter, and 
the oldest son of the first Cornel is Cornelisse. Aernout^ s 
services were so highly valued by the Mohawks that, in 
1683, they gave him a tract of land above Schenectady, on 
the north side of the Mohawk river, called " WachheerhokaJ' 
By this mai-riage Dowe Aukes. had one child, Margaret, born 
March 21st, 1686. 

It seems histwicaliy that, in 1672, there were but two 
licensed tapsters at Schenectady — Jacques Coruelise Van 
Slyck and Cornel is Cornelisse Viele — so that I reasonably 
conclude that Dowe Aukes had taken to other l)usiness ; or, 
that having married a granddaughter of Cornells Cornelisse, 
that the license ran in the naine of the grandfather. 

Dowe Aukes had two children, one l)y each marriage. In 
1689, Leisler made him a Justice of the Peace. In 1690, at 
the memorable massacre, his wife, two children and negro 
servants were killed by the French and Indians, aud he, like 
the Mingo Chief Logan, alone of all his family remained. 
In this isolated bereavement, in 1709 he conveyed all his 
real estate to his late wife's uncle, Cornelis Cornelisse Viele, 
with whom he resided luitil 1719, when he died at the age 
of about 80 years ; after the massacre always calling Viele 
his adopted son ; hence the Dowe Aukese by the early settlers, 
attached to Viele's name. 

This Viele's first wife, Maria Aloff, too, was killed in the 
slaughter of 1690. He, secondly, April 1st, 1700, married 
Deborah, daughter of Class Van Patten. He was the first 
Viele settled at old Maalwyck, early in 1700. 
5 



66 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

After so much of digression, which is deemed interesting 
in the early inn-keeping history of Schenectady, I return to : 
Jacques Cornelise Van Slyhe. He, possessing a large landed 
estate, made his will on the 8th day of May, 1690, and died 
soon afterwards, aged 50 years, leaving surviving him his 
widow, Margaret^ daughter of Harman Janse Ryckman. of 
Albany, who, on the 21st day of February, 1692, nuuried 
her brother-in-law, Adam Vrooman, who so gallantly defended 
his dwelling, when his wife, Angelica (the sister of Margaret), 
with her infant child, were killed, and two of his sons, Barent 
and Walter, were carried into captivity. Van Slyck left sur- 
viving him three sons and six daughters, who, it will be seen, 
aided by the extensive possessions of their father and good 
liimil}^ character, formed, without exception, advantageous 
and respectable family connections. 

Harman, the oldest son of Jacques, born March 26th, 1704, 
married Jane, daughter of Adam Vrooman. He was Captain 
of a Schenectady Company, in 1714 ; an Indian trader in 
1724. He received a grant of three hundred morgans of 
land, at Canajoharie, from the Mohawks, because '' kis grand- 
motlier ims a right Mohawk ivoman,'^ and " his father born 
with us at Canajoharie.^'' He also inherited a farm from his 
father on the first Flat. He left a numerous family of chil- 
dren, and made his will November 1st, 1731. He died 
December 20th, 1734, leaving to his sons, Adam, James and 
Harmanus, one-half of his 2,000 acres of land, at Canajoharie, 
known as Van Slyck^s Patent. 

Cornelius, second son of Jacques, born on the 10th day of 
February, 1696, married Clara Janse Bradt, of Albany. He 
lived upon the first Flat. 

Hendrick, son of Cornelius, born June 6th, 1729, married 
Catharina, daughter of Cornelius Slingerland ; they had one 
child, Clara, who married Johannes J. Vrooman. 

Anthony, son of Cornelius, born November 19th, 1730, 
married Margaret Van Slyck ; they had one child, Cornelius, 
born 12th April, 1731, who was the father of Ilarmamis Van 
Sl}-ck, formerly a sherifi' of Schenectady count}'. This Har- 
manus married Annatje, daughter of John Haverly,' October 



ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 67 

28th, 1798, and was the father of Anthony H. Van Shjcl; 
born June 22d, 1800, who was, for one term, sheriff of Sche- 
nectady county, and died January 6th, 1859. Clarissa, their 
daughter, born Septem])er 27th, 1810, married Wemple 
Haverly. 

Adrian, son of Cornelius, October 17th, 1736, married 
Jannetje Viele, and for his second wife, Bregie, daughter of 
Carel Hansen Toll, jSTovember 26th, 1741. Adrian was 
killed, July 18th, 1748, in the Beaukendual massacre. Their 
daughter Clartje, November 7th, 1742, married Anthony 
Van Slyck. 

Harmanus, son of Cornelius, August 16th, 1729, married, 
first, Lydia, daughter of Harmanus Vedder ; secondly, in 
1738, Sarah Yischer. He was an Indian trader. He left 
surviving him four sons and six daughters, of whom his 
daughter Elizabeth married Gerrit Van Slyck, and his daugh- 
ter Maria married Peter Sy mouse Veeder. 

Cornelius, son of Cornelius, trader, March 11th, 1733, mar- 
ried Jannetje, daughter of Abraham Truax. He left surviv- 
ing him several children, of whom his daughter Gertrude mar- 
ried John Lam])ert, the renowned schoolmaster of Schenec- 
tady, who taught the boys of a generation now all passed 
away how to become men. Some of his pupils subsequently 
became distinguished as men of mark in Church, Law, and 
State. 

Albert, son of Cornelius, September 17th, 1733, married 
Sarah, daughter of Jan Danielse Van Antwerpen. They 
had three daughters, viz. : Clara, Agnes, and Lena. 

Peter, son of Cornelius, August 30th, 1734, married An- 
gelica, daughter of Domine Reinhard Erickson, pastor of the 
Dutch Church of Schenectady from 1728 to 1736. They 
had three sons and four daughters, of whom their son Corne- 
lius, March 30th, 1764, married Catarina, daughter of Peter 
Veeder ; and their son Adrian married Annatje, daughter of 
William Lighthall. Their daughter Clara married John 
Steers, and their daughter Annatje married Johannes Bar- 
heyt. 

Col. Jacobus (James), son of Ca^t. Harman, the oldest son 



68 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

of Jacques, was liorii May 28tli, 1704. lie married Cafalina, 
a daughter of Samuel Bradt, Septem1)er 2d, 1732. He was 
commanding officer of Schenectady in 1754, a member of the 
Provincial Assembly in 1750, also in 1771. His son llar- 
manus, born August 5th, 1733, married Anna, a danghtei- of 
Alexander Glen, Septem])er 26th, 1767. His daughter Jan- 
natje married Philip Ryley. 

Adam, another so7i oi' Capt. Harman, born March 5th, 1721, 
married, September 19th, 1747, Oalharina, daughter of Jan 
Baptist Van Eps ; and their son Harmanus married Maria, 
a daughter of Isaac Vrooman, December 5th, 1771, by whom 
he had a son named Adam, who removed to Montgomery 
county. 

Adam also left a daugJder, sister of Harmanus, named 
Helena, born August 5th, 1759, who married Samuel Thorn, 
Esq. They were the parents of Jonathan Thorn, a gallant 
Lieutenant in the United States Navy, who distinguished 
himself under Decatur in the war with Tripoli ; and was one 
of the daring party that retook and destroyed the frigate 
Philadel})hia under the guns of the Tripolitan batteries. He 
lo.st his life in the command of the exploring expedition sent 
out by John Jacob Astor to the Columbia river. (For par- 
ticulars, see Irving's hi.story of that memorable adventure.) 
They were also the parents of Herman Thorn, the millionaire 
of New York, and several other much-respected children. 

Marten, ^//e ^7i«-cZ 50w of Jacques Cornelisse, married, March 
23d, 1701, Margaret Gerritse Van VranJcen. They had sev- 
eral children, viz. — Jacob, Margaret, Ariantje, Susanna and 
Petrus — the last born October 30th, 1709, who married J^7^■2;- 
aheth, daughter of Jesse De Graft', K\nW 9th, 1738. He was 
a captain in Colonel Abraham Weniplc's Company of the 
lievolutionary War. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 69 



CHAPTER Vr. 
Early Settlers. 

I have thus, with coiisidenible research, for my own 
satisfaction and that of their descendants, rendered my 
tribute to the brave, early proprietors and pioneers of 
Schenectady, astonished that, at this hite day, in so many 
ramifications, their blood courses extensively in this city, and 
through the length of our Mohawk Valley. But family 
histories and genealogies are an illimitable topic, fitted only 
to a large-sized volume; so I shall venture no further in that 
direction, except to name approximately, in their consecutive 
order, the arrival of the earliest settlers for the first 100 years 
of its settlement in this community, and their immediate 
children, unless some matter of historical interest is to be 
noted to make an exception. So, I shall state first, that 
Ilarman Alberise Vedder, the ancestor of all the Vedders 
in this countr}', settled at Schenectady in 1663. His farm 
covered what is now the homestead of Colonel D. D. Camp- 
bell, of Rotterdam. His village lot on the north side of Union 
street was the same as that occupied by the late Doctor 
Alexander G. Fonda, and now the site of the clerk's and 
surrogate's offices, etc. He purchased it of the heirs of 
Rinier, son of Dominie Schaets, of Albany, after Rinier was 
massacred in 1690. In 1673, Harman Albertse was 
ap})ointed one of the three magistrates of Schenectady, and 
in 1674 was schout or sheriff of the village. He died in 
1717, leaving the following children, five sons and one 
daughter, viz. : 

Ilarmanus, the oldeat son, who married, first. December 
10th, 1691, Margaret, daughter of Jacques Cornelisse Van 
Slyck, widow oi Andries Arentse Bradt ; and second, Decem- 
ber 31st, 1733, Anantje, daughter of Class Laurense Van Der 
Volgen, and widoAv of Arnold De Graff. He was an Indian 
trader, and left a numerous family of children. 



70 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Arent, the second son of Harnuin Albertse, munied Sara, 
daughter of Symou Groot. He settled upon land on the 
south side of the Mohawk river, opposite Hoffman's Ferry, 
which was long known as Veddei^s Ferry. He died in 1746, 
leaving several sons and daughters. 

Albert^ the third son of Harnian Albertse, born May 10th, 
1671, married Maria, daughter of John Alexander Glen, of 
Scotia, December 170h, 1699. He was carried captive to 
Canada, February 9th, 1690. He lived upon and owned the 
fai'm subsequently known as the " Waiinsley farm,''^ on the 
north side of the Mohawk river, about one mile below the 
city, where a ferry was long maintained. By his will, made 
February 8th, 1752, he gave this farm to his son Harmanus, 
who lived and died there at a very advanced age. Albert, 
the father, died August 1st, 1753, aged 82 years, 2 months, 
21 days. His wife, Maria Glen, died March 13th, 1753, 
aged 74 years, leaving four sons and two daughters. Our 
esteemed fellow-citizens, Alexander M. Vedder, M. D., Jacob 
Vedder, Esq., late sherift* of Schenectady County, and Daniel 
Vedder, Esq., one of our leading merchants, are direct lineal 
descendants of these historic old people. 

Johannes, fourth son of Harman Albertse, niarried, first, 
July 8th, 1705, Maria, daughter of Johannes Forte ; second, 
November 25th, 1732, Engeltje, daughter of Gerrit Sy mouse 
Veeder. He, too, was carried captive to Canada, February 
9th, 1690. He died August 14th, 1748, leaving many 
descendants. 

Corset (Seth), fifth son of Harman All)ertse, married, first, 
Margaritta Barrith (Barhydt), March 3d, 1709 ; second, 
Neeltje, daughter of Christian Christianse, March 11th, 1711. 
He then lived at Schachticoke. In 1721 he sold his farm 
there and moved to Niskayuna. He died in 1745, leaving 
several descendants. 

Anna, a daughter of Harman xVlbertse, born July 28th. 
1700, married Abraham Mel)ie, and died December 22, 
1750, without issue. 

Sytnon Symonse Groot, the connnon ancestor of all the 
Groots in America, settled at Schenectady in 1663. His 



EARLY- SETTLERS. 71 

house and lot in Schenectady was on the north side of Union 
street 100 feet, Amsterdam measure, westerly from Church 
street, running through to Front street, and so remained in 
the faniil}' for more than 100 years. He married Rebecca, 
daughter of Philip Du Trieux (Truax). He had six sons, 
viz. : Symon, Abraham, Philip, Dirk, Cornelis and Class, 
of whom his son Cornelius appears to have died in infancy, 
and his son Class unmarried. 

On the night of 9th Fe))ruary, 1690, his five sons, Symon, 
Abraham, Philip, Dirk and Class, were carried captive to 
Canada, biit were ransomed the following year. 

ISimon, Jr., the oldest son, married GeHruy, daughter of 
Jan Rinkhout, of Albany ; they had three sons and three 
daughters. 

Abraham, the second son of Simon Symonse, April 15th, 
169G, married Antje Wemp, widow of Captain Sander Glen ; 
and secondly, married, July 9th, 1(399, Hesterje, daughter 
of Harman Visscher, by wlioni he had five sons and four 
daughters. 

Philip, third son of Simon Symonse, married Sara, daughter 
of Jacobus Peek. He settled near what is now called Crane's 
village, on the north side of the Mohawk river, and was 
drowned in that stream, A. D. 1716, leaving four sons and 
two daughters. 

Dirk, the fourth son of Simon Symonse, married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Class Lourense Van der Volgen ; they had eight 
sons and three daughters. 

Sp)oor Jan lived at Niskayuna in 1664. His daughter, 
Antje, was killed by the French and Indians at Schenectady, 
in 1690. 

Johannes Van Eps lived at Schenectady, in 1664. He 
owned a bowery on the Groote Vlachte, and a house and lot 
in the village. His lot, 200 feet square, was on the north- 
Avest corner of State and Church streets, upon portion of 
which the law oflice of Walter T. L. Sanders, Esq., now 
stands. In the massacre of 1690, he was killed, with two of 
his children. He left surviving him two sons and four 
daughters. 



72 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Jolin Baptist Van Eps, his oldest son, l)oni in 1G73, was 
carried captive to Canada when Schenectady was burned in 
1690, but eflected his escape, after remaining with his captors 
three years. He married, on July 9th, 1(399, Helena, daugh- 
ter of John Alexander Glen, of Scotia. They had four sons 
and six daughters. 

Evert, another son of Johannes, married, first, July 8th, 
1705, Eva, daughter of Carel Hanse Toll ; and secondly, July 
19th, 1729, Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Truax. In 1704, 
he owned the lot upon Washington avenue, on which the 
house of the late Hon. A. C. Paige stands. He hatl ))y both 
marriages five sons and five daughters. 

Sara, a daughter of Johannes, married Arent Danielse 
Van Antwerpen. 

Elizabeth, another daughter, married, first. Tennis Yiele ; 
and secondly, Jillis Van Vorst. 

Maria, also a daughter, married Dirk Bratt. 

Anna, another daughter, married Coenraat Ten Eyck. 

Teunise Cornelise Swart, from whom all persons of that 
name in this comnmnity are descended, came to Schenectady 
in 1664. He received, for his early interest in the settlement, 
allotment ten, on the Groote Vlachte, comprising fort^-eight 
acres, westward of Pontias Kill, and a village lot on the 
northeast corner of State and Church streets, being of dimen- 
sions 200 by 170 feet — the Campbell or Myers' premises 
being a portion of the location. He married Elizabeth Van- 
der Linde, and after his death, in 1686, she married Jacob 
Meese Vrooman, of Alban}^ an uncle of our distinguished 
Adam Vrooman. Teunise Cornelise left three sons and two 
daughters. 

Cornelius, Ids eldest son, born in 1652, was, in 1715, a resi- 
dent of Ulster county. On April 25th, 1692, he conveyed 
the lot on the northeast corner of Church and State streets, 
inherited from his father, to his l)r()ther-in-law. Class Lou- 
rens Van der Volgen, reserving to his brother, Esaias, a lot 
fronting on Church street. 

Esaias, second son of Teunise Cornelisse, born in 1(553, 
married Eva. daughtcir of Tennis Van Woert, of Albany. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 73 

In 1686, he received a conveyance of part of a boiiwery 
No, 10, over the Pontias Kill, from his mother, and a release, 
in 1716, from his brother Cornelius of a lot on the east side 
of Church street, 200 feet north of State street. U.sauis is 
the immediate ancestor of all the Schenectady Swarts. His 
descendants still own Flats and other lands on the north side 
of the Mohawk river. He left surviving him three s(ms and 
one daughter. 

Tennis, his oldest son, married (jhrktina, daughter of Adam 
Vro(mian, October 30th, 1710. 

Wouter, his second son, born April 11th, 1694, married 
Elizahelh, daughter of Jeremie Thickstone. 

Esaias, his third son, born Februaiy 27th, 1704, married 
EUzaheih, daughter of Arent Vedder, December 13th, 1731. 

Sara, his only surviving daughter, born December 16th, 
1691, married Jan Barentse Wemp. 

Adam, the tidrd son of Tennis Cornelisse, married Metie 
WiUiamsen Van Sli/ck ; he lived at Schenectady in 1690, but 
lived at Kinderhcjok in 1706 ; he left oidy one child, a daugh- 
ter, named Johanna. 

Maria, a daughter of Teunise Cornelisse, married Class 
Laurens Van der Volgen. 

Jacomyntje, another daughter, married Peter Viele. 

Class Frederickse Van Patlnn came to Schenectady in 1664. 
In 1668 he bought, in company with Cornelius Cornelisse 
Viele, the farm of Marten Cornelisse Van Isselsteyn (Essel- 
styn), lying next west of the farm of Ryer Schermerhorn, the 
elder, who was his brother-in-law, Van Patten having married 
Aeffie, the daughter of Arent Andreas Bradt and Catalyntje 
De Vos. This bouwery remained in the family for several 
generations. In 1690 Van Patten was appointed a justice 
of the peace by Leisler. He was born May 30th, 1641, and 
died October 3d, 1728, aged 87 years, 5 months. His wife, 
Aeffie, died January 23d, 1728, aged 78 years. They left 
surviving them three sons and three daughters. 

Arent, the oldest son of Class, April 10th, 1703, married 
Jannelje, daughter of Philip Conyn, of Albany. 

Andreas, the second son of Class, born September 10th, 



74 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

1684; November 25th, 1712, mumed Maike, daughter of 
Jacob Ten Eyck, of Albany. 

jSFicholas, the third sou of Class, boni April 6th, 1690, 
married Rebecca, daughter of Simon Groot, Jr. 

Diewer (Del)orah), a daughter of Class, married Cornelius 
Viele. 

Calahjntje, also a daughter of Class, married Teimis Van 
Vechten. 

Gertrude, another daughter of Class, born April 17th, 1687, 
married Laurens C. Van der Volgen. 

Isaac Swits settled at Schenectady in 1664. He married 
Susanna, daughter of Simon Groot ; his village lot was on 
the west side of Washington street, opposite the Avest end of 
State street. On the destruction of the town in 1690, he was., 
carried away captive, together with his oldest son, Cornelius, 
but they were ransomed, and returned home the following 
July. 

On the 7th July, 1702, he bought of Evert, son and heir- 
atdaw of Gerrit Banker, one of the original 15 proprietors, 
his bouwery on the Flats, and his village lot, 200 feet square, 
on the southwest corner of Union and "Washington streets. 
The farm remained in the family for more than 100 years ; 
the lot was subdivided and sold soon after its purchase. 
Isaac Swits died in 1707, and left surviving him six sons 
and two daughters. Cornelias, the oldest son of Isaac, who 
had been a captive with his father in Canada, October 9th, 
1702, married IhstJier Fmc/ser, of Albany, Avhen he removed 
to that place, and dying in 1752, left many descendants. His 
son, Isaac, February 25th, 1728, married Maria, daughter of 
Hendrick Vrooman, of Schenectad}-. 

Simon, second son of Isaac, born Jmiuary lOtli, 1680, mar- 
ried, October 29th, 1712, Gezina, daughter of Martin Beeek- 
inan, of Albany. He inherited his father's village lot, oppo- 
site the west end of State street, with other real estate upon 
the great Flats. His daughter Gezina, born April 20th, 
1713, married Daniel De GraH'. 

Jacob, another son of Isaac, born June 2(Uh, 1(595, mar- 
ried HthnaDe Witt; died, leaving several rhihhrn, of whom 



EARLY SETTLERS. 75 

his eldest son, Isaac, bom May 12th, 1720, married Volkie, 
daughter of Heiidrick Vrooman, March 11th, 1747. He 
died April 4th, 1790, and was the father of Hendnck Swils, 
born October 24th. 17 G 2, whose house stood on what is now 
White street, near State street. He died, unmarried, Sep- 
teml)er 18th, 1825, aged 63 years. His next of kin received 
from him about six acres of huid — his homestead — compre- 
hended 1)etween the east side of Barrett street and the Cow- 
horne kill ; which was subsequently divided into city lots, 
sold, and now is densely settled. Isaac Swits^ too, was the 
father of //efe««, born May 24th, 1750, who married e/aco6 
A. Vrooman; and the father oi Maria, born April 4th, 1762, 
who married Johannes J. Wemple ; and of Susanna, who 
married Daniel Toll; and of Jannetje, born February 11th, 
1764, who married James V. S. Ryley. 

Abraham, another son of Jacob, is the most patriarchal 
ancestor, by numljcr.s, of those who bear the Swits name in 
this country. Born October 1st, 1730. He married, first, 
FelHuary 24th, 1749, JSfeellje, daughter of Peter Van Antwer- 
pen. This wife died, leaving only one child, born July 15th, 
1750, named Helena, who married Mi/ndert De La Grange. 

Abraham Swits, secondhj, December 2Gth, 1753, married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Wouter Vrooman. The children of 
this marriage were : Walterus, his oldest son, born November 
10th, 1754 ; Maria, l>orn September 18th, 1756 ; Susanna, 
born May 13th, 1759. 

Abraham Sivits, thirdly, Novemlier 2 2d, 1760, married 
Margaret, daughter of Jan Delamont. The children of this 
marriage were : Eva, born July 24th, 1761, married to Cor- 
nells Zeger Van Santvoord ; Catarina, born May 1st, 1764, 
married Maus Schermerhorne, several times mayor of Schenec- 
tady ; Susanna, born June, 1766, married Nicholas F. Clnte. 

Walter, the oldest son of Abraham, married Sarah, daugh- 
ter of Harmanus Peek. He served as a Lieutenant in the 
Revolutionary War, and died Oct()l)er 31st, 1823, aged 69 
years, leaving many descendants. This was the grandfather 
of our estimable citizen. Harman Swits, M. D. Walter's 
widow died July 18th, 1843, aged 83 years, 4 months, 6 days. 



76 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Jacob, the second son 0/ Abraham, born November 3d, 1762, 
murricd 31argaretta, daughter of Captain Abraham Van Eps, 
January 23d, 1791. In the Revokitionarj War, General 
Svvits served in Captain John M3nders' Company, and in 
1810 was made Major-General of the State Militia. He 
died November 21st, 1835, aged 73 years, 18 days. His 
widow died April 12th, 1839,"aged 76 years, 2 months, 18 
days. The General left surviving him three sons and five 
daughters. 

Rev. Abni. J. Swits, his oldest son, well and favorably 
known among us for his valued ministerial services and acts 
of unostentatious benevolence, died in Schenectady on the 
24th January, 1875, in his eighty-fourth year. 

Nicholas Swits, Esq., his second son, who was much beloved 
as a prominent citizen, and had held many offices of public 
trust, died September 18, 1872. 

Jacob Swits, the youngest son, a member of the legal pro- 
fession, died September 4th, 1836, unmarried, aged about 
28 years. 

Of his daughters, Margaritta, born A})ril 21st, 1796, 
married Burtholemew Schermcrhorn ; and Jane Helen, born 
October 18th, 1805, married Augustus Elmcndorf, Esq., of 
Red Hook, Dutchess county. 

Andries, the third son of Major Al)raliam, l)orn November 
8th, 1773, married Maria Hicks, and left several children 
surviving him. 

Johnannes, the fourth son of Major Abraham, born Decem- 
ber 1st, 1775, married Maike, daughter of Tennis T. Vischer, 
August 25lh, 1803, at the Boglit, where he residexl until 
his death, March 9th, 1829, aged 51 years, leaving four sons 
and three daughters. 

Major Abram Swits served as a gallant officer in the 
Revolutionary War, and, as a family, the Swits were distin- 
guished as ardent whigs. 

Rebecca., a daughter of Isaac, the tirst settler, married 
Alexander Glen, grandson of Alexander Lindsay Glen. 

Ariantje, another daughter, married Johannes Wenip.' 

Johamies Putrnan came to Schenectady in 1664. He 



EARLY SETTLERS. 77 

married Cornelia, daughter of Arent Andries Bradt and 
Catalyiitje De Vos. His homestead lot was on the north- 
west corner of Union and Ferrj^ streets, having 100 feet 
frontage on Union street. Later, he purchased the 100 feet 
lot next west from Jan Roeloefse, the oldest son of the cele- 
brated Anneke Janse, by her first marriage. He sold subject 
to the life estate of himself and wife. Koeloefse had no 
children. On the disastrous night of February 9th, IGOO. 
both Putnian and his neighbor Roeloefse, with their wives, 
w^ere slain by the French and Indians. Jan Putman left 
three sons and two daughters. 

Arent, the oldest son of Jan, married Lj/sbat Akerman. 
He inherited his father's house lot, corner of Union and 
Ferry streets. He moved to the Mohawk country with his 
family, where he was living as late as 1754. He had 
a numerous family. This is the ancestor of Montgomery 
county Putmans. 

Victor, second son of Jan. December second, 170(3, married 
Margaret, sister of Jan Pieterse Mebie. From him and his 
brother Cornelius, the Putmans of Schenectady county are 
generally descended. 

Coinielim, third son of Jan, married Jacomf/ntje, daughter 
of Tennis Viele. 

Jan Janse JouA-ers, came to Schenectady in 1665. His 
lot was on the east side Church street, next north of the 
site of the first church. He died in 1703, leavhig three 
daughters, viz. : 

Feitje, married to Benjamin Lenyn, a Frenchman, March 
15th, 1699. 

Pieterje, married to Mannaseh Sixbarr}', a yoiuig English- 
man, March 15th, 1699. _ 

Rachel, married to William Bowing, January 22d, 1690. 

John Apple came to Schenectady in 1668 ; was grievously 
wounded at the sacking of Schenectady, in 1690, and was, 
on that account, granted $30 by the Governor and Council. 

William Apjple, brother of John, came to Schenectady in 
1668 ; he too was wounded in his limbs at the destruction in 
1690. The Apples removed to New York in 1693. William 



78 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

had a son, Simon, and a daughter, Maria Magxlalena, who 
married Johannes Vrooman, a nephew of the distinguished 
Adam. 

Hendrick Lamberlse Bent came to Schenectady in 1666. 
He owned a farm above Schenectady, on the south bank of 
the Mohawk river, which he sokl to Dowe Aulies, and sub- 
sequently removed to Ckiverack. This farm, together with 
the iskuid called " i?ertte," afterwards became the property 
of Douwe Aukes Viele. 

Martin Corndise Van Isseltyne (Esseltyne) came to Schenec- 
tady in 1666. In 1668, October 23d, lie sold his bouwery, 
lying immediately west of Kyer Schermerhorn's farm, called 
the Schiujlenburgh farm, to Class Frederikse Van Patten and 
Cornelis Viele, and removed to Claverack. From the appa- 
reut simultaneousness of their respective sales, it is believed 
that Bent and Esselstyne removed to Claverack about the 
same time. He had one son, Cornelis Martense, from whom 
have descended the numerous Esselstyns of Columbia and 
Dutchess counties. 

Elias Van Gwjsling was born in Zeeland, Holland, in 1659. 
He came to the New Netherlands, and remaining at Bever- 
wyck, some time in 1670, bought the bouwery of Bastian De 
Winter, one of the original lifteen proprietors of Schenectady, 
which was afterwards known as " Elias^ Plaintasiey This 
farm is situated on the Bouwlandt, in Rotterdam, and 
remained in possession of his great grandson, Corndius, born 
March 5th, 1776, until his decease, December 30th, 1865, 
aged eighty-eight years, nine months and twenty-six days. 

Elias' wife was Tryntje Clattse, born in 1643 ; after his 
death, she married William Hall, April 13th, 1695, an early 
settler of Schenectady. S[)eaking the French language 
fluently, Van Guysling was often employed as an interpreter 
in negotiations. He left surviving two sons and one daugh- 
ter, viz. : jNIyndert, Jacob and Jacomyntje. 

Myndeit, the oldest son of Elias, born Octol)cr 25lh, 1691 ; 
April, 1721, married Suster. daughter of Cornelius Viele. 
He lived on the Elias Planta.de, which he devised to his sons, 
Elias and Jacob, having made provision for his otlier chil- 



EAELY SETTLERS. 79 

dren. Myiulert died iu 1772, aged 81 years. Pie left sur- 
viving him four sons and three daughters. 

Elias, his oldest son, married, September 17th, 1763, Eliza- 
beth Quackenbos ; he died September 5th, 1802, probably 
without issue. 

Jacob, the second son of ]Myndert, born January 18th, 
1736, married, first, June 3d, 1773, Jcmnetje, daughter of 
Peter Feling ; secondly, Helena Lansing, July 9th, 1790. 
He died November 19th, 1803, aged 68 years. This was 
the father Cornelius, the last of the name that owned and 
oecupied the Elias Plantasie, up to December 30th, 1865. 

Peter, the third son of Myndert, born January 22d, 1745, 
married, first, JMaria, daughter of Ryer Schermerhorn, in 
1770; secondly, Annafje, daughter of Caleb Beck, in 1773. 
He dwelt on the north side of Front street, and his house was 
taken down on the laying out and opening Governor's lane ; 
it stood on the part of his lot now used as a street. His lot 
on the corner of Front and Washington street was occupied 
by his daughter and her husband, John Prince. He died 
November 20th, 1824, aged 80 years. This was the father 
of ]\Iyndert, Caleb and Peter Van Guysling, also of Elizabeth, 
wife of John Prince, and of Anna- Maria, wife of Harnianus 
Vedder, all so well known to many of our still living aged 
citizens ; and was the grandfather of Daniel Van Guysling, 
Esq., of Glenville. 

Philip Truax (DuTrieux), a Belgian, born in 1585, was one 
of the earliest emigrants to the New Netherlands ; was in 
New Amsterdam, cluring Minuit's administration, from 1624 
to 1629 ; was appointed Court messenger in 1638. His 
daughter, Rebecca, married Simon Synionse Groot ; his 
daughter, Sara, married Isaac De Forrest ; his daughter, 
Susanna, married Evert Janse Wendell, of Beverwyck. 

Philip Truax was never settled in Schenectady — probably 
died before it was apportioned. His wife, Susanna De 
Scheene, was living as late as 1654. Their blood is very 
extensively diffused throughcnit the Mohawk Valley and 
elsewhere. He had three sons, AbraJmm, Isaac and Jacob. 

Isaac, the second son, born iu New Amsterdam, April 22d, 



80 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

16-42, was the ancestor of all or nearly all the Truaxes in our 
community. He married Mana, daughter of William 
Brouwer, of Albany ; he settled upon the " Second Flat of 
the Bouwlandt," on the south side of the Mohawk, in 1670, 
with his cousin, Jacobus Peek, as appears by a })etition to and 
grant from Governor Andros. He had four sons and three 
daughters. 

Abraham, the oldest son of Isaac, married Christina, daugh- 
ter of Jellis De La Grange, of Albany. He died March 16th, 
1770, leaving several sons and daughters. 

Isaac, his oldsst son, born January 13th, 1717, mari-ied, July 
24th, 1742, EngeUie, daughter of Caleb Beck. 

John, his second son, born March 24th, 1718, married 
Alida, daughter of Matthew Nak, of Albany. 

Jillis, Jm third son, born June 11th, 1719, October 27tli, 
1744, married Dorothea, daughter of Wouter Vrooman. 

Philip, his fourth son, born November 5th, .1720, married, 
November 29th, 11^1, Migeltie, daughter of John Fairlle. 

Andreus, his fifth son, born August 21st, 1722, married, 
first, Elizabeth, daughter of Eyckert Van Vranken ; secondly, 
September 20th, 1778. /5M5f«»i<7, daughter of Daniel De Graff. 
Andreas was the grandfather of our much-valued citizen. 
Doctor Andrew Truax. 

Maria, a daughter of Abraham, born April 2d, 1712, mar. 
ried, first, Johannes Bradt, of Schenectady ; and second. 
Evert Wendell, of Albany, and third, CorneHus Van Slyck, 
of Schenectady. 

Annatje, another daughter of Abraham, l)oru April 10th, 
1717, married Kyckert Van Vranken. 

Elizabeth, also a daughter, born May 19tli, 1V25, married 
Caleb Beck. 

Sa7X(, another daughter, born Septem1)er 29tli, 1729, mar- 
ried Nicholas Van der Volgen. 

Oatalgntje, also a daughter, born February 28th, 1731, 
married Nicholas De Graff. 

Isaac, the second son of Isaac, born March 2d, 1690, mar- 
ried, October 23d, 1719, Catalina, daughter of ]\Iartin Van 
Benthysen. He owned a lot on the east side of \\'ashington 



EARLY SETTLERS. 81 

street, third south from Front street, in 1782, at the ao-e of 
92 years. He is said to have been the oldest man in 
Schenectady. 

Isaac, the oldest son of Isaac, Jr., boni May 14th, 1726, 
married, April 26th, 1755, Susamia, daughter of Hendrick 
Koseboom, of Albany. 

Pieter, another son of Isaac, Jr., born August 12th, 1728, 
married, February 26th, 1748, Jacoba, daughter of Domine 
Cornelius Van Santvoord. 

Pldlip, also a son, died at Wilmington, in the State of 
Delaware, in 1795, aged 64 years. 

Martimis, another son of Isaac, Jr., born May 14th, 1738, 
seems to have died unmarried. 

Maria, oldest daughter of Isaac, Jr., born September 11th, 
1720, married Jan Baptist Van Eps. 

Sophia, another daughter, born July 30th, 1735, married 
Andries Truax. 

Margaretta, also a daughter, born November 30th, 1740, 
married Johannes Van Driesen. 

Jacob, the third son of Isaac, 8r., born October 9th, 1694, 
married, July 11th, 1724, Elizabeth, daughter of Gillis DeLa 
Grange, of Albany. lie lived seven miles south of Schenec- 
tady, on the old Albany road. 

Gillis, son of Jacob, born Novenil)er 12th, 1727, married, 
first, Anantje Jansen ; second, Engeltie Evertsen. Left one 
child, Jacob, born May 3d, 1761. f 

William, son of Jacob, ])orn Septemljer 15th, 1732, mar- 
ried, April 17th, 1760, Ann Eliza Zebel. 

Jacob, son of Jacob, born April 4th, 1737, married Catha- 
rine Dochsteder. 

Isaac, son of Jacob, born May 8th, 1726, married, June 
16th, 1750, Marytje, daughter of Johannes Wyngard, of 
Albany. He Uved seven miles south of Schenectady, and 
died April 17th, 1808, aged eighty-one years, ten months and 
twenty-seven days, having had seven sons and four daughters, 
most of whom survived him. 

Abraham, son of Jacob, born April 4th, 1737, married, 
March 27th, 1761, Elizabeth, daughter of Harmanus Van 
6 



82 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Antwerpcii, and left surviving him five sons and three 
daughters. 

Eva, a daughter of Isaac, Sr., married Dirlv Swart. 

Sarah, another daughter of Isiac, married Gillis Truax. 

Lysheth, also a daughter, born July 3d, 1692, married 
Evart Van Eps. 

Daniel Janse Van Antwerpen, born in Holland, in 1635, 
was located at Beverwyck as early as 1661, and soon after 
Schenectady was settled, about 1670, became possessed of the 
third Flat, on the south side of the jSIohawk river, about eight 
miles above Schenectady. Ilis village lot was the east side of 
Church street, next north of the lot of the present First Dutch 
Keformed Church, 108 feet wide in front and 208 deep, Ams- 
terdam measure. In 1676, he was one of the five justices of 
Schenectady, and, in 1701, supervisor of the township. His 
wife was Maria, daughter of Simon Groot. At the time of > 
his decease, he left five, sons and three daughters, each of 
whom left a numerous issue. 

Jan, his oldest son, born November 24th, 1700, married 
Agnietje, daughter of Harman AUentse Vedder. Jan died 
January 26th, 1756. 

Simon, Ids second son, hovn Decenil)er 2 2d, 1706, married 
Maria, daughter of Jacobus Peek. He moved to Schaghti- 
coke in 1710. 

Arent, Ids third son, married Sara, daughter of Johannes 
Van Eps. 

Daniel, his fourth son, married Arianije, daughter of Gerrit 
Simonse Veeder. 

Pieter, his fifth son, married Emjeltie, daughter of Johannes 
Mebic. 

Neeltje, his oldest daughter, ])orn July 27th, 1690, married 
Andres I)e Gralf. 

Rebecca, another daugJder, born December 25th, 1692, 
married Johannes Fort. 

Maria, also a daughter, born January 3d, 1695, married 
Nicholas Fort. 

Huns Janse Eenkluys — This was truly a remarkable old 
Hollander, who came to reside at Schenectady, "in 1670. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 83 

Already as earlj' as 1632, he Avas an officer of the Dutch 
West India Company, under the administration of Governor 
Van Twiller, and erected the standard (the arms of the 
States- General) at a spot called Kievit's Hoeck (now Say- 
brook), at the mouth of the Connecticut river. (See O'Calla- 
ghan's His. N. Netherlands, Vol. 1, p. 149.) In July, 1648, 
on the occasion of Governor Stuyvesant's visit to Rensselaer- 
wyck, he was employed to clean the Patroon's cannons and 
fire the salute. When he came to Schenectady, being an old 
man, without any relations in this country, he made, by his 
Avill, the Deacons of the Dutch Church of Schenectady his 
devisees and legatees, on condition that he should be sup- 
ported by them in his old age and weakness, which they did 
do to his satisfaction for thirteen years, and when he died, in 
1683, at a very advanced age, they buried him with due 
respect and solemnity. The church inherited all his prop- 
erty, consisting mostly of forty acres of land, of what was 
Ibrmerly known as the Poor Pasture, being that portion of 
it lying west of or above Hansen Kill (now College brook). 
That portion of the Poor Pasture lying east of or lielow tho 
creek, called " TJie Boght,^' w;ts bought of Harmanus Van 
Slyck, in 1806, for $1,750. The memory of brave, honest 
Hans Janse Eenhluys should always be cherished by tho 
descendants of Schenectady's pioneers. Monuments, in these 
latter days, are often erected to perpetuate the memory of 
those who possessed but a small share of his experience, hon- 
esty, gallantry and worth. He gave to the church of his 
affections his memories of Holland, and all he possessed. 

Gerrit Class KuUeman came to Schenectady in 1670 ; in 
that year he bought a lot of Bastian De Winter, one of the 
original proprietors of the place. 

Jan Peek, an early settler at New Amsterdam ; he owned 
land at Peekskill, and Peekskill creek was named after hiiju. 
He owned also, in 1655, much property at Fort Orange. He 
married, February 20th, 1650, Mana De Truy (Truax), 
HJeee of old Philip Truax. He never lived in Schenectady, 
but late in life, his Avidow, Maria, did, with her son Jacobus, 
Jan left two sons and two daughters. 



84 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Jacobus, his oldest son, came to Schenectady in 1670, at 
the same time with his kinsman, Isaac Trnax ; they settled 
on the second Fhit, upon the south side of the Mohawk river, 
five miles above Schenectady. He was born Jani»ary 16th, 
1656 ; the time of his decease is not ascertained. He left 
surviving him two sons and five daughters, viz. : 

Jacobus, his oldest son, born December 28th, 1698, mar- 
ried, January 1st, 1721, il/«ry(/re^, daui>hter of Cornelius Van 
Slyck. 

John, his other son, married AmuUje, daughter of Harmanus 
Vedder, 

Sarah, the oldest daughter of Jacobus, married Philip 
Groot. 

Maria, his second daughter, married Simon Danielse Van 
Autwerpen. 

Annatje, his third daughter, married Joseph Clement. 

Margaret, the fourth daughter, born March 2 2d, 1692, seems 
to have died unmarried. 

Elizabeth, the fifth daughter, born March 27th, 1695, married, 
first, Cornelius Van Der Volgen ; secondly, Joost Van Sice. 

Anna, the eldest daughter of the ancestor Jan Peek, Ijorn 
October 15th, 1651, married, May 2d, 1667, John Alexander 
Glen, of Scotia ; this lady was a great humanitarian, highly 
extolled in the French accounts, and much admired by the 
fierce Mohawks. 

Maria, the other daughter of Jan Peek, born March 6tli, 
1658, died unmarried. 

John Roelafsen, the oldest son and youngest child of the 
celebrated Auneke Janse, by her first marriage to Rolioff 
Jansen, having sold his interest in his mother's property 
in Albany to Derick Wersel Ten Broeck, he removed from 
All)any to Schenectady in 1670. He had, in that year, at 
Albany, accidentally killed one Gerrit Verbceck, for which 
accident he was pardoned by the Governor. His lot was on 
the north side of Union street, 100 feet west of Ferry street, 
being the same great lot now owned by the Messrs. Joseph and 
Giles Y. Van der Bogert. At the date of his mother's will, 
in 1663, he was unmarried. He subse(|uently married, but 



EARLY SETTLERS, 85 

having no children, or the prospect of an}^ he sokl his k)t and 
buiklings to John Putman, his neighbor, owning and occnpy- 
ing the h)t lying adjoining on the east, reserving for himself 
and wife a life estate in the premises. But on the fatal niglit 
of February 9th, 1690, Eoelafsen and his wife, and Pntman 
and his wife, were shiin by the French and Indians. Jan 
Eoelafsen was born in 1636, and at the time of his death was 
aged 54 years. 

Joris Aertse Van Der Boast came to Schenectady in 1670 ; 
he called himself an "Amsterdam boy." In that year he 
purchased of Bastian De Winter, one of the old proprietors, 
a house and lot on the southeast corner of Union and Church 
streets, where he was slain on the night of February 9th, 1690. 
He also bought of Jan De La Wende, of Albany, the great 
island in the :\Iohawk river, lying between Scotia and Class 
Graven's Hoek (since called the Hoek island), also the neigh- 
boring small islands (except Kruisbessen and Spuyten Duyval 
islands), also three morgans of land for a homestead, near the 
land of the widow of Class Graven. This land— city prop- 
erty—subsequently belonged to the Marselis family. Van 
Der Boast's occupation was that of a surveyor, and in 1689 
he was clerk of Schenectady. 

BarentJanse Va?i Biiinars came to Schenectady in 1670, 
and married Catalyntje Be Fo.9, widow of Arent Andriesse 
Bradt ; he owned land on the south side of the Mohawk river, 
near the " Steene Kil." He had a son, Cornelis, who married 
Caiharina, daughter of John Alexander Glen, of Scotia. 
Yaw Ditmars and his son were both massacred at the slaugh- 
ter of 1690. The widow of Cornelius, m 1692, married 
Gerrit Lansing, Jr., of Albany. 

Captain Martin Kngier, (Crigier), leaving New York, set- 
tled on his tarm in Niskayuna, in 1672, ending his days there 
in the early part of 1713, aged about 90 years. The farm, 
or some portions of it, is still possessed by some of his 
descendants. He was the first Burgomaster of New Amster- 
dam (New York) ; was a fearless and skillful military leader, 
and an exem[)lary magistrate. (O'Callaghan's Hist. N. Nether- 
lands, Vol. 2, p. 554.) 



86 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

I feel it difficult to pass the name of this right arm of Gov- 
ernor Stujvesant, as a soldier, magistrate, negotiator, and 
confidant, without some further mention of him. On Christ- 
mas day, 1648, he sailed from the Texel, accompanyiug 
Stuyvesant, the new Governor, who was to supersede Kieft. 
Krigier was in command of the troops escorting Stuyvesant, 
and well was his selection made, or chance threw him upon 
a bold, conscientious and able assistant. Always commander 
of the regular troops, he was, in addition, on the 2d of Feb- 
ruary, 1653, appointed by Stuyvesant iirst Burgomaster of 
New Amsterdam, Ai^ani Van Hatiam being his associate or 
assistant. 

The}^ constituted a Court of Sessions for the hearing and 
determining of dilferences and disputes between parties. 
The}^ tried actions for the recovery of' debt, for defamation 
of character, for breaches of promise of marriage, and prose- 
cutions for assault, battery- and theft, and committed to prison 
for contempt of court. They summoned before them parents 
and guardians accused of withholding; their consent, without 
sufficient cause, to the marriage of their children or wards ; 
and, if they thought proper, ol)liged the former to withdraw 
their opposition to the desired union. Itw^as their province, 
also, to grant passports to those who were leaving the city, 
either for another country, or another part of the province. 
The proceedings before the court were in writing ; witnesses 
were examined on interrogatories, and from the decisions, in 
certain cases, an appeal lay to the Director- General and 
Council. (O'Callaghan's Hist. New Netherlands, Vol. 2, 
p. 214.) 

In a work like this, it is impossible to })articularize all the 
services of this remarkable man, in his embassy to Governor 
Eaton, of Connecticut (O'Callaghan's N. Netherlands, Vol. 2, 
p. 258, etc.) : his expedition to New Amstel (same authority, 
p. 334) ; to the South river (ib. p. 381) ; to the Raritan 
countr}' (ib. j). 495) ; and to punish the Esopus Indians, 
wdiich he did eftcctually (same authority, p. 476 to 489). 
See Journal of the second Esopus War, by Captain Martin 
Kregier, A. D. 1663. (Doc. His. of New York, Vol". 4, p. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 87 

39 to 99.) There we liiid tlie evidence of Krigier's system, 
good sense, and, for the times, excellent scholarship. 

All who appreciate the character of Governor Stuyvesant, 
know that he was a soldier, a man of unconquerable opinions, 
and a strong supporter of his real or constructive powers. 

When, in December, 1654, Stuyvesant determined to pay 
a visit to the West Indies, with a view to estaljlish a trade 
between Barbadoes, the Spanish possessions and New Nether- 
erlands, he delivered to Martin Krygier, the presiding Bur- 
gomaster, "• the yainted coat of arms, the seal, and the silver 
signet belonging to the eitijr This certainly was a marked 
tribute from the stern old Governor to his honest, faithful, 
gallant, right-hand man and contidant. 

Stuyvesant died on his bowery, at New York, in 1672. 
Martin Krygier, in 1664, retired, with his General, into pri- 
vate life ; and, in the same year that Stuyvesant died, he 
settled on his farm in Niskayuna, on the banks of the 
Mohawk, where his son, Martinus, Jr., had preceded him. 
In this retired and romantic spot, that brave soldier and good 
man laid himself down to rest, after a life of great experience, 
in 1713. His descendants are numerous throughout the 
States, and the old homestead still belongs to a descendant. 

jNIartin Gregier, the old veteran, had two sons and one 
daughter, viz. : Martin, his oldest son, was born at Borcken, 
in Holland, and, October 11th, 1671, married Jannetta, only 
child of Uendrikse Van Doesburgh, a wealthy citizen of 
Albany. She was his child hy Mantie Damen, widow of 
l)irk Van Eps, of Schenectady. Martin, Jr., was clerk in 
New Amsterdam from 1646 to 1661. He died in 1714, 
leaving two sons and four dauohters, viz. : 

Martinus, oldest son of Martin, Jr., July 29th, 1702, mar- 
ried Margaret Van Dolsen, of New York. 

Samuel, the second son of Martin, Jr., married. May 20th, 
1716, Gertnuj Visscher. He died September, 1777, aged 88 
years. 

Elizabeth, daughter of Martin, Jr., married Dan'l Van 
Olinda. 

Maria, a daughter, married Johannes Vroeland. 



88 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Annatie, a daug/iler, married Victor Becker. 

Geriruy, a daughter, married Ulderiek Van Vranken. 

JF'rmis, the second son of Captain Martimis Cregier, born in 
Borcken, Holland, settled, as a merchant, at Newcastle, on 
the Delaware, and died in 1666 without issue. 

Caihcmna, mily daughter of Captain Martinus, married, 
May 26th, 1655, Nicasius De Sille : " A man, well versed in 
the law, and not unacquainted with military atlairs ; of good 
character and satisfactory acquirements, was, July 24th, 1654, 
commissioned as First Counsellor to the Director, at a salary 
of 100 florins ($40) per month, including board." (O'Cal- 
laghan's Hist. N. Netherlands, Vol. 2, p. 234.) June 26th, 
1656, he became Attorney- General of the Province in place 
of Adrien Van Tienhoven. His marriage with Cathanne was 
a second one ; by her he had no children. In 1686, she was 
a widow, and residing in Broad street, New York. 

Christian Christiaiise came to Schenectady in 1672. In 
that year he bought three acres of land of Paulus Janse. His 
village lot was on the north side of Union street, adjoining 
the Dutch Church lot, and included the Isaac Riggs and 
Aaron Barringer lots ; it was 100 feet front, Amsterdam 
measure. He sold this lot, in 1694, to Neeltje, widow of 
Hendreck Gardenier. Christian married Maritje Elders. 
He left surviving him two sons and several daughters. 

John, the oldest son of Christian, married, June 20th, 1709, 
JSTeetje Oomelise. 

Cornells, another son, residing in Niskayuna, married An- 
nafje, daughter of Class De Graff, in Schenectady. 

Chri^toffelse Davids, born in Bish()[)wyck, England, came 
to Schenectady in 1672. He owned a lot on the cast side of 
Church street, 100 feet wide, \y\\\g 100 feet south of Union 
street, at the age of 74 years. He was slain, with his wife 
and four children, February 9th, 1690, when Schenectady 
was sacked and burned. His whole family was exterminated. 

Dirk-Hesseling came to Schenectady in 1672, where he 
bought a farm of Jurrien Teunise Tappan, which he subse- 
quently sold to Ilarman Vedder. In 1667, he married Egtge 
Ilendricksc. She was living as a widow, at Schenectady, in 



EARLY SETTLERS. 89 

1697. His son, Robert, was killed at the massacre, February 
9th, 1(390. 

Paulus Jansen sold his land to Christian Christianse, in 
1671. His son, Arnout, was carried away captive by the 
French and Indians, February 9th, 1690. 

Jan Gerritse Van Marhen lived at Schenectady, in 1673. 
He was then schout (sheriff) of the place. His wife was 
Geerlje, sister of Frederick Gysbertse Van Den Bergh. 

Ri/nier Schaats, a physician and surgeon, eldest son of 
Doniine Schaats, of Albany, came to Schenectady in 1675. 
He married Catrina Bensing. His village lot was on the 

north side of Union street, 100 feet west of Church street ■ 

the same as now occupied by the clerk's, surrogate's and other 
county offices, and partly by ex-Mayor Hunter. Rynier and 
one of his sons were killed at the slaughter of 1690, after 
which his only surviving children, Gideon and Agnietje, con- 
veyed the property to Symon Simonse Groot. Liesler 
appointed Rynier a Justice of the Peace in 1689. 

Hendrich Meese Vrooman came to Schenectady in 1677. 
His house lot was on the north side of State street, extendino- 
from what is now Center street, and including the location of 
the Central Railroad depot. His farm was a portion of Van 
Curler's land. The former freight-house of Mohawk and 
Hudson Railroad stood nearly in the center of his land. In 
the massacre of 1690, he was killed, with his son, Barthole- 
mew, and two of his negro slaves ; also his son John was car- 
ried away into captivity. He left surviving him two sons, 
Adam and John. 

Adam, his oldest son, born in Holland, 1649, was natural- 
ized in the province of New York, in 1717. He was a mill- 
wright by occupation. In 1683, he built a mill on the Sand 
Kill, where the Brandy wine mills lately stood. In 1(590, 
when Schenectad^'^ was burned and sacked by the French and 
Indians, he saved his life by bravery in defending his house, 
which then stood on the west corner of Church and Front 
streets, where the residence of Jeremiah Fuller, deceased, now 
stands, and is still owned by, and in the occupation of, some 
of Mr. Fuller's children. Tlte French account, of Avhich we 



90 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

will make more mention hereafter, Monsieur De Monseignat 
to Madame De Maintenon (Paris Doc. IV, Doc. His. N, Y., 
Vol. 1, p. 297, etc.) : 

" The sack of the town began a moment before the attack 
on the fort ; few houses made any resistance. M. D. Mon- 
tigny (Lieut. La Marque De Montigny, a galUint young 
volunteer officer), discovered one, which he attempted to 
carry, sword in hand, having tried the musket in vain. He 
received two thrusts of a spear, one in the body, the other 
in his arm ; but M. De Sainte Helene having come to his aid, 
etiected an entrance, and put every one who defended that 
house to the sword." 

That gallant, I may well add, desperate defense was made 
by Adam, only assisted by his yv'ih, Angelica, daughter of Har- 
man Janse Ryckman, of Albany. On that dreadfid night, 
his intrepid wife and her infant child were killed ; his two 
sons, Barent and Wouter, were carried away captive. His 
father, Hendrick Meese, his brother. Bartholemew, and two of 
his father's negroes, were killed, and he, of all his own family, 
alone was left a monument amid the surrounding desolation. 

How and why Avas the indomitable Adam Vrooman spared ? 
Tradition assigns several reasons. First. That M. De Saute 
Hellene, the commander of the expedition, in admiration of 
his heroism, ottered him safety on surrender. jSecond. That 
the hostile Mohawks knew him well, and sought to save him. 
Third. As a favor to his brother-in-law, Jacques Cornelise 
Van Slyck. Foarfh. On the intercession of his friend, John 
Alexander Glen. Fifth. That he escaped after capture, for 
he was not carried into captivity, although his two sons were. 
Whatever may be the true reason, it is satisfactory to know 
that he lived forty years with distinction and usefulness, after 
so nnich of atiliction and disaster. 

I am well aware that in these latter days it has been 
claimed that Vrooman's residence was on the op[)()sit(i north- 
east corner of Church and Front streets ; but the title deeds 
and early traditions locate this historic point of Schenectady 
deiense, in 1G90, on the west or Fuller corner. 

Mr. Jeremiah Fuller, who, if now living, would be consid- 



EARLV SETTLERS. 91 

eral)ly beyond the age of 100 years, on the 29th day of 
March, 1792, purchased this corner lot, with the identical 
building of Vrooman's defense upon it, of CorneHus Adr'n 
Van Slyck for £300. It was taken down and reconstructed 
the same year, and its yellow-pine timbers used (which are 
now in a perfect state of preservation, though of a very dark- 
brown color through age, having been pujtected from the 
weather) in the construction of the present dwelling. 

I must confess, in testing the reality of this tradition, when, 
a few months since, under the polite guidance of my friend, 
General William K. Fuller (to whom I am indebted for 
many valuable suggestions and facts), I saw with my own 
eyes the timbers of Vrooman's identical house, darkened by 
age, l)ut perfectly sound, and bearing in several places the 
mortise marks of previous use. "-As a descendant of the early 
jjioneers,'^ I felt vividly that the remnants of Schenectady's 
greatest trial, and witnesses of the dtiring of her stalwart 
hero, Adam Vrooman. were before me. 

Perhaps intelligent citizens may wish to know something 
more of this remarkable man. He became an extensive owner 
of some of the most fertile lands of the province. In 1688, 
the Mohawk sachems conveyed to him a valuable tract at 
Fort Hunter. In 1708, he obtained from the trustees of 
Schenectady a grant for the 8und kill and adjacent lands for 
milling purposes. In 1711, he obtained a patent for lands 
in Schoharie, where now stands the village of Middleburgh, 
which he settled in 1715, and it was then known as Vroo- 
man's land. Some of the Palatines attempted to drive him 
oif. He connnenced a stone honse, 23 feet sqnare, with the 
help of his sons, and had proceeded as far as the second story 
floor-beams, when, one night, his unruly neighbors, led by 
the notorious Conrad Weiser, entirely demolished it. He 
then retired to his property at Schenectady, and petitioned 
the Governor for redress, who succeeded in sto])ping the 
opposition. (Doc. His., Vol. Ill, p. 412.) In 1726, he took 
out an additional patent in that vicinity of 1,400 acres for 
his son Peter. He made his will Septeml)er 12th, 1729, and 
died on his farm at Schoharie, February 25th, 1730, aged 



92 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

81 years, full of wealth, aiid with a reputation for fearless 
bravery, strict integrity, and excellent Christian character ; 
and, true to his affections for the home of his early days and 
the scene of his wonderful exploit of heroism, hy his own 
express direction was interred in his private burying-ground, 
now No. 35 Front street, in the city of Schenectady, on the 
east portion of the lot occupied by the residence of the late 
David P. Forrest, Esq. 

On the erection of Mr. Forrest's dwelling, the remains of 
the old settler, with others of his famil}^ actually interred, in 
the adjoining street, this writer is credibly informed, were 
removed to another resting place l)y Doctor John S. La 
Tonelier, one o his descendants, and a grandson of Domine 
Barent Vrooman. 

Adam Vrooman was married three times — -Jirsi, in 1678, 
to MiffeUie, daughter of Harman Janse Ryckman ; second, in 
1691, to Grielje Rychman, his first wife's sister, and widow 
of Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck ; tJiinlly, January 13tli, 
1697, to Grielje Tiikehe Heemstreet, in Albany. His descend-, 
ants are very numerous, extending far and wide through the 
Union, but mostly settled in the Mohawk and Schoharie 
valleys. 

He had nine sons and four daughters, most of whom sur- 
vived him. 

Barent, his oldest son, born in 1679, was carried captive to 
Canada, in 1690. He married, June 18th, 1699, Oatrina 
Heemstraat, of Albany. He had a l)re\very on the north side 
of Union street, near. to, or upon, the present crossing of the 
New York Central and Hudson River Railroad. He lived 
on the north corner of Center and State streets. He died in 
1746, leaving one son, Adam, and one daughter, Engeltie. 

Wouter, the second son of Adam, hovn in 1680, was also 
carried captive to Canada, in 1690. He married, September 
24th, 1707, Marytje, daughter of Isaac C. Hallenback, of 
All)any. He died October 26th, 1756, leaving several chil- 
dren, of whom I can only particularize that his son Adam, 
born in 1708, married, June 29th, 1742, busanna, daughter 
ol' Jacob Swits. Adam, in 1757, lived in the ancient brick 



EARLY SETTLERS. 93 

house at the Bniiul3'wine Mills. He died July oOth, 1759, 
aged 43 years. 

/«a«c, another son of W outer, born November 13th, 1712, 
married, in 1744, Dorother Van Doskerken, of Bergen, N, J. 
He was a surveyor, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 
member of the Provincial Assembly, in 1759, and member of 
Assembly under the lirst State Constitution, in 1779, and 
died June 1st, 1807, on his farm at the Brandywine Mills. 

Barent, another son of Wouter, born December 24th, 1725, 
married, January 12th, 17G0, Alida, daughter of David Van 
Der Heyden, of Albany. He l)ecame Minister of the Dutch 
Church, at Schenectady, in 1754, and died November 16th, 
1784. His widow died in 1833, aged 99 years. 

Eiigelie, a daughter of Wouter, born June 12th, 1709, 
married Cornelius Veccler. 

Dorothea, another daughter, born October 5th, 1714, mar- 
ried Gill is Truax. 

Rachel, another daughter, born May 31st, 1724, nuirried, 
Jirst, Abraham Wemp ; secondly, Abraham Fonda. 

Elizabeth, another daughter, born May 7th, 1732, married 
Abraham Switz. 

Pieter, the third surviving son of Adam, born May 4th, 
1684, married, Februar}^ 2d, 1706, Grietje, daughter of Isaac 
Van Alstyne, of Albany. He settled with his father on what 
Avas called Vrooman's land in Schoharie. He died in 1771, 
havino; seven sons and five clau2:hters. Pieter was the ances- 
tor of all, or nearly all, the Vroomans livino- iu Schoharie, 
Otsego and Montgomer^'^ountiies. 

Bareni, a son of Peter, born February 19th, 1709, mar- 
ried Engeltie, daughter of Teunis Swart ; he died in 1782, 
leaving surviving six sons and three daughters, 

Engeltie. a daughter of Peter, born May 18th, 1713, mar- 
ried David Ziele. 

Gertriiy, also a daughter of Peter, born September 3d, 
1725, married Josias Swarts. 

Catharina, also a daughter of Peter, born March 29th, 
1728, married Johannes Lawyer. 

Hendrick, son of Adam (commonly called Capt. Hendrick), 



94 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Ijorn in 1G87, married Maria, daughter of Barent Wemp. 
He was Baes of the carpenters who built the Second Dutch 
Church of Schenectady, in 1732, at seven shillings per da}'. 
This building was erected in the centre of Church street, at 
the intersection of Church and Uniou streets. 

Barent, oldest son of Hendrick, born January 15th, 1710, 
married VolJde, daughter of Jan Barentse Wemple. After 
his death, in 1746, his widow married Jacob Alexander Glen, 
and lastly she married Johannes Simonse Vrooman. Barent 
left but one child, Angelica, born June 17th, 1747. 

Adam, second son of Hendrick, born April 2d, 1716, mar- 
ried Anna, daughter of Abraham Mel)ie, February 7th, 1740, 
he removed to the banks of the ]Mohawk, above Amsterdam, 
and left several children surviving him. 

John, third son of Hendrick, born April 4th, 1719, mar- 
ried Jannetje, daughter of Jacob Swits, November 26th, 1757. 

Hendrick, son of Hendrick, born August 4th, 1722, mar- 
ried Neeltie, daughter of Peter Veeder, and left two children, 
Pieter and Maria. 

Maria, a daugJder of Hendrick, l)orn October 14th, 1705. 
married Isaac Swits. 

Volkie, another daughter, Ijorn ]March 29th, 1725, married 
Isaac Jacobse Swits. 

Jannetje, also a daughter, born 1779, married Simon Van 
Patten. 

BartJtolemew, another son of Adam, born Dcceml)cr 22d, 
1700, married October 7th, 1738, CatJcarine, daughter of 
Cornelius Slingerland, and widow of Hendrick Van Slyck. 

JoJin, son of BartJiolemew, hovw January 13, 1745, married 
March 28th, 1767, Margarita, daughter of Setli Vrooman. 

Engeltie, a daughter of Bartholemew, l)orn September 3d, 
1742, married Johannes Chite. 

Gezina, also a daughter, born Ai)ril 1st, 1746, married 
Albert Mebie. 

Setli, another son of Adam, born January 7tli, 1705, mar- 
ried ^V.9^, Gertruy Van Patten ; .vecwttZ, January 25th, 1745 ^ 
Bva, daughter of Jesse DeGraft'. 

Adayn, son of Beth, born March 5lh, 1754, married first, 



EARLY SETTLERS. 95 

Engeltk, daughter of Simon Schermerhorn, by whom he had 
two daughters; one, his daughter ^//cZ(?, born Decemljcr 24th, 
1774, married Josias Swart. He died March 30th, 1852. 
His other daughter, Hilligonda, born October 27th, 1776, 
married Caleb Van Vorst. She died March 25th, 1858. 
Adam married second, Nancy Van Vranken, sister of om- okl 
deceased citizen, Maus Van Vranlcen, by whom he also had 
two daughters. The eldest, Angelica, married Harman 
Bradt, the youngest, HcLiTiet, married Daniel Barringer. 

Jacob Meese, another son of Adam, born July 3d, 1707, 
married " Sara,^' a daughter of ]\Iyndert Myndertse, Octo- 
ber 30th, 1742, seems to have left no issue. 

Christina, the oldest daughter of Adam, born October 18th, 
1685, married Tennis Swart ; Maria, another daughter of 
Adam, born September, 1, 1699, married Douw Fonda. 

Eva, also a daughter, married Joachim Kettlehuyn. 

Jamieltie, another daughter, married March 26th, 1704, 
Captain Harman Van Sl^yck. 

John, the second and youngest son of Hendrick Meese and 
])rother of Adam, married, July 4th, 1680, Geesje, daughter 
of Simon Vedder. He lived on the site of the depot of the 
New York Central and Hudson Kiver railroad ; died in 1732. 
Having had ten sons and six daughters, of whom the greater 
number survived him. 

/Simon, the oldest son of Jan, born February 25th, 1681, 
married Eytje (Margaret), daughter of Jacol) Delamont. He 
bought, in 1710, of Wm. Apple, the lot lying on the west 
side of the canal, between State and Liberty streets, the 
property belonging to the estate of John Jacob Vrooman, 
deceased. Simon left two sons, John and Jacob, and two 
daughters, Catharine and Maria. John Jacob Vrooman, l^orn 
April 5th, 1763, was the grandson of Simon, and married 
Amy Hicl's, the widow of Peter Rowe, who had died April 
20th, 1806. 

Peter, son of John, born October 10th, 1688, married in 
1716, Agnietje, daughter of Arent Vedder. He was killed 
at the Beaukendual massacre in 1748. He left surviving him 
several sons and daughters. 



06 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Hendrick., son of John, born September 9th, 1690, married, 
October 1718, Engeltie, daughter of Cornelius Slingerland. 
In 1723 he owned a lot on the east corner of State and Wash- 
ington streets, 45 feet front by 190 deep, which passed to his 
son Cornelius, who sold it to Samuel Arentse Bratt. 

Cornelius, son of Hendrick, born February 4th, 1722, mar- 
I'ied Margarita, daughter of Samuel Arentse Bratt, Decem- 
ber 16th, 1753. 

Simon, son of Hendnck, hovw in 1740, married, August 14th, 
1767, Margaret, daughter of Jacques Peek. They left sev- 
eral frons and daughters. 

Gezina, a daughter of Ilendrick, born September 7th, 1719, 
married Simon Johannese Veeder. 

Eva, another daughter, born September 24th, 1724, mar- 
ried Johannes Pieterse Van Antwerpen. 

Jannefje, also a daughter, born November 3d, 1727, mar- 
ried Jellis Fonda. 

Maria, another daughter, Ijorn January 30th, 1732, mar- 
ried Ahasuers Marcellis. 

Jacob, another son of Jan, born December 28th, 1698, 
married, October 17th, 1725, J/cmt/^/c, daughter of Abraham 
Groot. His house lot was on the north side of State street, 
at the raih-oad crossing. Being a carpenter, he was sent, by 
Sir Wm. Johnson, to Onondaga to build a fort for the 
Indians. He died April 20th, 1114.. 

John, his son, born January 8th, 1726, married Clara, 
daughter of Hendrick Van Slyck. Hesther, a daughter, mar- 
I'ied Jacob Heemstreet. Rebecca, another daughter, married 
Arent Merselis. Gessie, also a daughter, married Peter 
Steers, 

Maria, a daughter of Jan, the brotiier of Adam, born Octo- 
ber 31st, 1696, married Gysbert Van Brakel. 

Jannefje, also a daughter, born July 3d, 1682, married 
Arent Bratt. 

Engeltie, another daughter, born December 22d, 1692, 
married Jan Ryer Schermerhorn. 

Catharina, also a daughter, born May 12th, 1701, married 
Jacob Mebie. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 97 

Helena, another daughter, married Joseph Van Sice. I 
have thus, with considerable research, traced out the lines of 
the two old ancestors, Adam Vroman and his yoimger brother 
Johns ; and feel it not inappropriate to add, that tradition 
hands down the information that both brothers were men of 
large frame and great muscular power — their descendents, 
even at this day, give weight to the reputation. Adam 
Vrooman, especially, was, we are informed, a man of gigantic 
stature and immense bodily strength ; and, in confirmation 
of what that power probably was, I extract (from Jej^tJia 
R. Sims, His. of Schoharie County, chap. 5th, p. 153, pub- 
lished in 1845), as follows : 

" There were among the early Schoharie settlers some 
remarkable for great personal strength. Cornelius, Samuel, 
Peter and Isaac, sons of Peter Yrooman " (this last was a 
son of historic Adam), " are said to have possessed the 
strength of giants. They erected the first saw-mill in the 
county, which stood in Claver Wy., on the little Schoharie- 
kill. Two of those brothers could easily carry a good-sized 
log on the carriage. 

" Many anecdotes are related l)y the aged, showing the 
strength of the Vrooman family. At the hill mentioned as 
the Longbergh, on the road to Albany, Cornelius, the strongest 
of the brothers, always made a practice, when going to 
Albany with wheat, to carry one or two I)ags, each contain- 
ing two or three skipples" (each three pecks) " up this hill to 
favor his horses. Twenty-five skipples was the ordinary load 
to Albany, and usually brought fifty cents per skipple. 

" Samuel Vrooman is said to have carried, at one time, 
twelve skipples of wheat and harrow with iron teeth, from 
his father's house across a small bridge back of it, and set 
them down in a field. 

" At another time Cornelius carried ten skipples of peas, 
the same harrow, and a brother on the top of them, the siune 
distance — in either case 800 or 900 pounds. 

" The stout Vroonians had a remarkable strong sister. 
A quarrelsome man being at her father's, warm words passed 
between him and her l)r()ther Cornelius, when the sister, 
7 



98 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY, 

fearing the consequence if her kinsman laid hands upon the 
intruder in anger, seized him, although a pretty stout man, and 
pitched him neck and heels out of the house. This Ave may 
look upon as a very charital^le act, considering it was done 
solely to save his life." 

Ludovicus Cobes, born in Herentals-Braljant, Belgium, Avas 
Court Messenger at BeverAvyck as early as 1(566, and Avas 
Notary and Secretary of Albany in 1668. In 1677 he came 
to Schenectady, and Avas immediately made Secretary of that 
place ; he Avas also its Notary and Sheriff ; tradition says he 
Avas an excellent penman, and an accurate man of business. 
He, Avith his son-in-kiAv Johannes Klien, purchased a farm upon 
the fourth Flat on the south side of the Mohawk river aljOA'e 
Schenectady. He also had a house and lot in the village, 
on the north corner of Union and Church streets. He 
married Alida Peterse, and left tAvo children, viz. : 

Maria^ a daughter, Avho married, September 30, 1696, 
Tam Smith, from Ncav England ; and 

Clara^ another daughter, Avho, in 1683, married Johannes 
Kleyn, from Avhom the families of Klein in this country are 
descended. 

David Marinus came to Schenectady in 1680. He mav-- 
ried Rachel Hanse. His son William married Baata, daugh- 
ter of Johannes Klien. His daughter, Neeltje, married Pieter 
Quackenboss, and his daughter, Calai'ina, married Thomas 
Noliel. 

Harman Mynderine, Van Der Bogart ; this is one of the 
oldest nanies identified Avith the earliest settlement of New 
Netherlands. Born in Holland in 1612, he came to Ncav 
Amsterdam in 1661, as surgeon of the iih\\) Eendracht. 'M\i\. 
continued in the West India Company's service until 1663, 
after Avhich he resided at Ncav Amsterdam as a physician, 
mitil appointed Commissary at Fort Orange. He Avas a highly 
educated and respected man, though, from all accounts, 
appears to have been of an irascible temper. An instance is 
mentioned (see O'Callaghan's His. Ncav Netherlands) of his 
having attempted, in the excitement of a high quarrel, Avhcn 
both appear to have been in a violent passion, to throw the 



EARLY SETTLERS. 99 

Di lector (W outer Van T wilier) out of a boat in which they 
were sailing ou the river ; and he was with difficulty pre- 
vented from accomplishing his object. His wife was Jilisje 
Claas Svvits, of Ziereckzee, in Holland, aunt of Claas and 
Isaac Cornelise Swits. Surgeon Van Der Bogert left surviv- 
ing him two sons and one daughter, viz. : 

Myndert, his oldest son, born May 3d, 1648, married He- 
lena, daughter of Jacob Janse Schermerhorn, and sister of 
Eyer Schermerhorn, Sr. He came to Schenectady in 1680, 
and was a very active partisan in Leisler's time, who 
appointed him Justice of the Peace in 1690. 

In 1686, in company with Eobert Sanders, of Albany, he 
purchased 12,000 acres of land in Dutchess county, including 
the site of the city of Poughkeepsie, and soon after removed 
with his family and settled upon the tract. This writer, in 
1825, negotiated and sold for Peter Sanders and Maria, his 
wife, a remnant of 150 acres of the original purchase, lying 
on the east Ijank of the Hudson river, about three miles below 
Poughkeepsie. 

Fraus, youngest son of Surgeon Van Der Bogert, born 
August 26th, 1()43, married Annetje Tjerkse, and settled at 
Schenectady in 1680, where he was killed February 9th, 1690, 
by the French and Indians. His widow, March 25th, 1692, 
married Philip Harris, of Albany. 

Fraus left surviving him two sons, Claas and Tjerh. 

Claas, oldest son of Fraus, married, December 31st, 1699, 
Barbara, daughter of Tekel Heemstreet, of Albany. 

Fraus, son of Class, born August 22d, 1703, married, 
November 8th, 1726, Hesther, daughter of Abm. Groot. 

Takerus, another son of Class, born March 23d, 1717, mar- 
ried, February 2d, 1744, JVeelfje, daughter of Arent DeGraft'. 
He lived on the north side of Front, opposite the north side 
of Church street, where the residence of Henry Rosa, Esq., 
now stands. Takerus died in 1799. 

Class, another son of Class, born June 11th, 1727, married, 
Augnst 8th, 1752, Rachel, daughter of Joseph Yates. He 
left tour children, Nuna, born September 12th, 1753, married 
to Abraham Lighthall ; Fraus, born February 23d, 1755 ; 



100 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Josejjh, born November 21.st, 175G, and Clans Frausen, born 
March 4th 1759. 

Anna, a daughter of Class, born November 10th, 1700, 
married Abraham Lighthall. 

Marm, another daughter of CUias, born Oetol)er 28th, 1705, 
married Pieter Veeder. 

Margaret, also a daughter of Claas, born February 9th, 
1709, married Alexander Vedder. 

JiULslje, also a daughter of Claas, born March 6th, 1711, 
married Johannes Hall. 

Sara, another daughter of Claas, born February 28th, 1714, 
married Aarent A. Vedder. 

Tjerk Frausen, son of Fraus, Sr., married Margaret, daugh- 
ter of Harmanus Veeder. 

Harmanus Fraiise, son of Tjerk, born July 21st, 1721, 
married, May 18th, 1745, Catharina, daughter of Daniel 
Danielse Van Antwerpen. 

Nicholas, a son of Hannanus, born December 11th, 1751, 
seems to have left no issue. 

Margaretta, a daughter of Harmanus, born July 6th, 1755, 
married, first, Adam Kittle, who was killed in the Revolu- 
tionary War ; and secondly, one AYilliams. She then re- 
moved to Upper Canada. 

NicJiolas, another son of Tjerk Frausen, born May 11th, 
1723, married, January 9th, 1747, Ariantje Schermerhorn ; 
secondly, in July, 1753, nvjivnciX Anna VanVoast. He left 
surviving him two sons, Tjerk and Fraus, and two daugh- 
ters, Rachel and Margaret. 

Jan Pieterse Mebie came to Schenectady in 1{)84. He 
married Anna Pieterse, daughter of Pieter Jacobse Borsboon, 
one of the original fifteen proprietors of Schenectady. His 
home lot in the village was on the east side of Church street, 
next north of the Dntch Church lot, covering the premises 
now severally owned by Mrs. John A. Washington and Mrs. 
Park Benjamin. He also owned land on the third Flat, on 
the south side of the Mohawk river, eight miles above Sche- 
nectady. 

In 1697, Rode, called by the Christians Dirk, a Mohawk 



EARLY SETTLERS. 101 

sachem, with the consent of all the other Mohawks, granted 
a piece ot" ground containing eigJdy acres, Ij'ing on both sides 
ot" Schoharie creek, comnionlj' known by the name of " Kiida- 
rodae,'^ to Jan Pieterse Mebie, in consideration that his wife 
''is something related to the MohawTc castled 

Jan Pieterse died April 8th, 1725, leaving surviving him 
three sons and tive daughters. 

Pieter, the oldest son of Jan, born January 20th, 1696, mar- 
ried, elune 12th, 1721, Susanna, daughter of Arent Vedder. 
He settled on the north side of the Mohawk river, on the 
north side of '^ Arent 3Iebie's A7?," just north of the stone 
bridge on the New York Central and Hudson River railroad. 
He left surviving him several sons and daughters, 

Jan, son of Pieter, born January 10th, 1728, married, De- 
cember loth, 1755, Alida, daughter of Simon ToU. He 
died November 24th, 17DG. He left surviving him several 
sons and daughters. 

Harmanus, son of Pieter, born October 9 th, 1737, married, 
January 8th, 1761, Susanna, daughter of Parent Wemple. 
He left one son, Peter, and two daughters, Debora and Mar- 
garet. 

Arent, son of Pieter, born in 1739, married, December 22d, 
1764, Sarah, daughter of Josias Swart, and left three chil- 
dren, Pieter, Josias and Susanna. 

Peter, a son of Pieter, born November 14th, 1742, married, 
July 11th, 1767, Alida, daughter of Harmanus Peek. They 
became, hy removal, a Schoharie family. He left one son, 
Harmanus, and two daughters, Sarah and Maria. 

Abraham, the second son of Jan Peterse, born June 26th, 
1695, married, June 10th, 1718, Annatje, daughter of Albert 
Vedder. He secondly married, March 30th, 1752, Catalina 
Roseboom, of Albany. He was a blacksmith, and lived on 
the lot next northerly of the Dutch Church before men- 
tioned as belono-ino- to his father, Jan. It was in his barn, 
the identical one now standing on the premises of Mrs. Park 
Benjamin, where, on the 18th day of July, 1748, Colonel 
Jacob Glen, of Scotia, and his rescuing party of about eighty 
citizens, deposited twenty-six of their friends, slaughtered at 



102 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Bueckeiidall, in two parallel rows, to be claimed and removed 
by their friends and relations. 

Albert, son of Abraham, born February 20th, 1738, mar- 
ried Engellie, daughter of Bartholemew Vrooman, December 
20th, 1760. He had several children, but the family removed 
to Tryon coimty — to that part now Montgomery county (old 
Canajoharie). 

Catharina, a daughter of Abraham, born August 6th, 1720, 
married Johannes Volkertse Veeder. 

Anna, another daughter, born September 1st, 1722, mar- 
ried Adam Hendrickse Vrooman. 

Maria, also a daughter, l)oni November 23d, 1724, mar- 
ried Abraham Fonda. 

Eva, also a daughter, born April 20th, 1727, married 
Gerrit Van Antwerpen. 

Engeltje, another daughter, l)orn April 13th, 1735, married 
Hendrick Van Dyck. 

Margarietje, also a daughter, Ijorn August 23d, 1740, mar- 
ried Johannes R. Wemple. 

Jacob, the third son of Jan Peterse, born March 1st, 1698, 
married, August 7th. 1725, Catharina, daughter of Hendrich 
Vrooman. He inherited, by his father's will, one-half of the 
old homestead farm on the third Fhit, on the south side of 
the Mohawk. His house, still standing, is occupied by his 
irreat irrandson, Simon Mebie. Jacob died Ai)ril 18th, 1755, 
leaving three sons and three daughters. 

John, Ids oldest son, born May 1st, 1738, married. Decem- 
ber 26th, 1760, Cornelia Hagadorn. He died July 11th, 
1763, apparently without issue. 

Cornelius, his second son, born March, 1741, married 
November 19th, 1767, Ilesther, daughter of Abraham Groot. 
He died, leaving surviving two sons and live daughters. 

Major Jacob C, oldest son of Cornelius, born May 31st, 
1772, married, January 20th, 1793, Eva, daughter of Simon 
Van Patten. He lived on the old homestead in Woestyne. 
He was killed December 4th, 1823, " l)y his loaded wagon 
passing over his body on the way to Albany." This writer 
has seen the Major often ; he was a warm personal and poll- 



EARLY SETTLERS. 103 

tical friend of the writer's father, John Sanders. The Major 
left several children, bnt I will only add, his oldest son Simon, 
born Angust 31st, 1805, married. May 7th, 1827, Hannah 
Marlett, and now resides upon the old homestead. 

Abraham, the third son of Jacob, 8r., born January 4th, 
1778, died September 21st, 1810, \yithout issue. 

Cathanne, the -eid^ daughter of M^^oLf^'., born July 17tli, 
176 8, married Nicholas J. Van Patten. 

Willemjsie, another daughter, born February 4th, 1774, 
married Johannes J. Bratt. 

Margarita, also a daughter, born March od, 1776, married 
Nichohis A. Bratt. 

Annatje, another daughter, born February 20th, 1780, 
married Nicholas P. Van Patten. 

Hester, also a daughter, born May 9th, 1782, married Jellis 
Swart. 

Johannes I^leyn came to Schenectady in 1684. He mar- 
ried Clara, a daughter of Ludricus Cobes, the Schout and 
Sheriff of Schenectady. In that year, in company with his 
father-in-law, he bought the fourth Flat on the south side of 
the Mohawk river. He left three daughters. Bata, one of 
them, born A]3ril 2d, 1684, married William Marinus. 

Emanuel Consaul (Cousaulus Gonzales), said by members 
of the family to be of Spanish extraction, emigrating from 
Curacoa, in the West Indies. Assuming this to be a proba- 
bility, from its singularity as a Dutch name, I remark, after 
diUigent search, I can only tind that Emanuel Consaul came 
to Schenectady in 1684. Almost from that time Ave lose 
sight of him until, in 1767, we lind two families of the name 
of Consaul living as neighbors in Niskayuna, not far from the 
intersection of the Lisha's kil and the north line of Rensse- 
laerwyck Manor, on what is now called the '' Ooiisaul roadJ'' 
I regret that my data is so limited. But, upon a little reflec- 
tion, no foreign names are really singular in this composite 
country, for we tind there are several Dutch families w4th 
Spanish names, whose ancestors emigrated to this land, viz., 
the Fondas, Rosas, Gonzales, etc., etc. The same may be 
said of others with French, English, Scotch, German and 



104 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Swedish names. They were all undoubtedly descendants of 
Protestants, who fled from persecution for their religious faith 
to the Netherlands, where they found protection and became 
incorporated with the Dutch. In the records of the Dutch 
government of the Province, foreign names, except the Span- 
ish, are often met with. 

John Consaul, of Niskayuna, married, April 20th, 1765, 
Machtelt, daughter of Johannes Heemstreet. He left sur- 
viving; him several sons and daus-hters. 

John, a son. born November 5th, 1767, married Viuef/ 
Manning, and had chiklren. John, born September 27th, 
1793. William, born April 2od, 1796. Magdalena, born 
June 4th, 1799. 

Bastian, another son, born November 16th, 1769, married. 
May 19th, 1793, Lena Lewis. 

Sara, a daughter of John Consaul, born November od, 
1765, married Hendrick J. Vrooman. 

Francyntje, another daughter, born Feljruary 2d, 1772, 
married William Lewis. 

Peter Consaul, the head of the second family , of Niskayuna, 
married, May 19th, 1771, Sarah Van Vliet. He left surviv- 
ing him several chiklren. 

Johannes, his oldest son, born August 2d, 1773, married 
Dirkje Hogan. He left two children, Emanuel, born Octo- 
bei- 12th, 1796, and Isaac Hogan, born September 3d, 1792. 

Emanuel, another son of Peter, born May 14th, 1775, mar- 
ried, August 7th, 1794, Lydia Manning, both of Lysjes Kil. 
He left children. Joseph, born February 10th, 1797, and 
William, born February 20th, 1806. 

Joseph, also a son of Peter, born November 28th, 1773, 
married Hesther, daughter of Nichohis Groot. 

Benorony Van Hock came to Schenectady in 1684 ; mar- 
ried Jacquimina Swart, widow of Pieter Cornelise Viele ] was 
killed by the French and Indians February 9th, 1690 ; left 
one child, named Gerrietje, born January 24tli, 1686. 

Class Lourense Van Der Volgen came to Schenectady in 
1686. He married- Maritie, daughter of Tennis Cornelise 
Swart. His lot in the village comprised the lots on which 



EARLY SETTLERS. 105 

Van Home Hall and the Myers' l^iiildings now stands. At the 
burning of Schenectady his son Lourens was carried captive to 
Canada. I cannot ascertain accuratel}^ when Class Lourense 
died, but he left surviving him several sons and daughters. 

Class, the oldest son of Class Lourens, born August 7th, 
1687, married Rehecca, daughter of Simon Groot, had an 
only child, Frederick, born March Gth, 1711. 

Cornells, second: son of Class Lourens, married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Jacobus Peek. He lived on the Van Horn Hall 
lot, which, having no children, he left by his will, made March 
24th. 1731, to his wife, who on the 8th of November, 1732, 
married Joseph Van Sice. Cornells' brother Lourens lived 
on the lot next east, near the M^ers' house lot. 

Lourens Class, tJie third son, married ^r,s^, Gertruy, daughter 
of Claas Van Patten ; secondly, Susanna Woleten, Sept. 18th, 
1722. At the destruction of Schenectady, Februar)- 0, 1690, 
he was carried captive to Canada by the Indians, with whom 
he remained as late as 16[)9, acquiring a perfect knowledge 
of their language. After his return he Avas appointed inter- 
preter of the Province for the five nations, which he held 
until his decease, in 1740. His salary was X30 per annum 
until 1724, when it was raised to X60, and so continued. 
This man of remarkable experiences left surviving him ten 
children, whose descendants are numerous, and among the 
most respectable citizens of our community and State. He 
owned and occupied the property on which the Myers' House 
buildings now stand. 

Nicholas, the son of the above Lourens Claas, born Septem- 
ber 1st, 1722, married September 16th, 1749, Sarah, daughter 
of Abraham Truax. He was a merchant, and lived upon 
his lot, now the Myers' House property. He died May 21st, 
1797, aged seventy-four years, nine months. His son and 
two daughters having died previously, he left no issue. He 
gave, by his will, XloO to the only Dutch Church in Sche- 
nectad}^ for the purchase of an organ, which sum the con- 
sistory^ carefully invested, and when its accumulations 
amounted to $1,500, they purchased an organ, which was 
burned with the church in 1861. 



106 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Cornelius, second son of Lourens Claas, bora July 25th, 
1731, mari-ied April 2 2d, 175(3, Reheca Fort. He died 
Jaiuuuy 16th, 1786, and left a son, Lourens, bora May 5, 
1776, who married May 24th, 1794, Engeliie, daughter of 
Bernhardus F. Schermerhorn. He also left surviving him a 
daughter named Susanna, bora July 16th, 1769, who mar- 
ried Henry H. Peek. 

Feier, the third son of Lourens Class, born June 10th, 1733, 
marrried November 7th, 1761, Gertruy, daughter of Myndert 
Myndertse. He left surviving him two sons, Lourens, bora 
January 11th, 1767, and Myndert, born October 18th, 1772, 
who married Eleanor Vor/ht. He also left a daughter, bora 
February 4th, 1770, who married Johannes S. Schermerhorn. 
Neeltje, the oldest surviving daughter of Luourens Claas, 
bora May 3d, 1713, married Sander Van Eps. 

Eva., another daughter, born November 30th, 1717, 
married Philip Ryley. 

Marytje, also a daughter, l)orn March 5th, 1720, married 
Simon Johannese Veeder. 

Catarina, another daughter, l)orn June 21, 1724, married 
Rynear Myndertse. 

Elizabeth, also a daughter, bora September 7th, 1725, 
married William Schermerhorn. 

Aj-ianije, another daughter, born July 11, 1727, married 
Maus M. Van Vranken. 

Teunis, the fourth son of Old Claas Lourens, married 
Sara Ha7nens Frear. He had one son, named Chuis, l)ora 
June 26th, 1709, in Albany, and several daughters, of whom 
one, named Jacomyntje, born July 3d, 1790, married Arent 
Slingerland ; and another daughter, named Elizabeth, bora 
August 31st, 1723, married Johannes Heemstreet. This 
seems to have been entirely an Albany branch. 

Elizabeth, the oldest daughter of Old Class Lourens, born 
May 9th, 1686, married Dirk Groot. 

Ariantje, another daughter, born February 12th 1693, 
married, first, Arnout De Graff ; and secondly, Ilarmanus 
Veddcr. 

Neeltje, also a daughter, married Peter Siinonse Veeder. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 107 

Catrintje, another daughter, married Gerrit G. Van Brakel. 

Johannes Clute settled in Niskayuna, in 1684, on hinds he 
received l)y will from his rich uncle. Captain Johannes Clute. 
of Albany. He married Baata, daughter of Gerrit Van 
Slichtenhorst, and granddaughter of Brant Arantse Van 
Slichtenhorst, who was director (head man) of the Colony 
of Rensselaerwyck in 1646, and, who I have had occasion to 
remark, proved to be a foeman worthy of Govenor Sty- 
vesant's most bitter animosity. She was also the Grand- 
daughter of the indomitable Colonel Philip Pieterse Scluiyler. 
In 1692, her husband, Johannes, being a prisoner in Canada, 
this remarkable woman, with great adroitness, managed all 
his l)usiness atlairs. 

Johannes Clute died November 26th, 1725, and was 
buried in Niskayuna. He left surviving him three sons and 
five daughters. 

Jacob, his oldest son, married April 12th, 1707, Gertrude 
Van Vranken. 

Nicholas, his son, born May 20th, 1725, nvdiTied Clartje, 
daughter of Johannes Heemstreet. 

Johannes, another son, born November, 15th, 1719, married, 
October 6th, 1753, Jannetie Ouderkerh. 

Gerrit, also a son, born July 10th, 1709, married, Sep- 
tember 22d, 1732, Maritje Heemstreet. 

Peter, another son, born August 12th, 1722, married. May 
7th, 1761, Lea Hagadm-n. 

Gerrit, another son of Johannes Clute, born January 1st, 
1697, married. May 28th, 1725, Machtelt Heemstreet. 

John, his son, born July 10th, 1726, married, January 17th, 
1754, Catanna, daughter of Abraham Lansing, of Albany. 

Jacob, another son of Gerrit, born January 18th, 1736, 
married, June 12, 1761, Maayke Lansing. 

Dirk, also a son of Gerrit, married Ai)ril 6th, 1760, 
Annatjie, daughter of Johannes Heemstreet, of Albany. 

Gerardus, another son of Gerrit, born October 19th, 1735, 
married Alida, daughter of Nicholas Visscher, of Albany. 

John, another son of Johannes Clute, born May 12th, 1700, 
married, September 5th, 1727, Nuna . 



108 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

John, Jus son, boni Septeml^er 15th, 1728, married, Sep- 
tember 27tli, 1752, SaraJi, daui>:hter of Abraham Van Ariiham. 

Frederick Chile came to Niskayiina, from Esopus, Ulster 
county, in 1703, and bought hind of old Johannes Clute. 
What relationshi}) (if any) existed between them is unknown. 
He married Francytje Du Monds. 

John, oldest son of Frederick, married, December 11th, 172G, 
'Vanneke, daughter of Gillis Fonda, of Schenectady. 

Jacob, second son of Frederick, married, November 16th, 
1727, Maria Brower, in Albany. 

Pieter, another son of Frederick, born April 26th, 1712, 
married Ariaiitje, daughter of Nicholas Van Vranken. 

Frederick, also a son of Frederick, married May 22d, 1742, 
Maddelt, daughter of Johannes Pieterse Quackenbos, 

Waldren, another so7i of Frederick, miivv'wd Anna, in 1721. 

JSLargarifje, a daughter of Frederick, married Andries De 
Graft'. 

Anna Barbara, also a daughter, married Abram Fort. 

Helena, another daughtei', married Johaimes Quacken- 
bos, Jr. 

Anna Catrina, also a daughter, born December 8th, 1716, 
married Martin Van Olinda. 

Gerril Marselis, son of Janse Marselis, of Albany, married 
Bregie JJause, in 1687, and the same year came to Schenec- 
tady. He, with his wife and one child, was killed in the massa- 
cre of February 9th, 1690. One child, named Myndert,\yns 
.saved, and was living at Schenectady in 1709. lie married 
Fifje OothoKf, of Albany, May 23d, 1713. They had three 
sons and four daughters. 

Ahasueras Marselis, brother t)f Gerrit, al)ove named, 
moved to Schenectady in 1698. In 1697 he married Sara, 
daughter of Tidcel Ileemstreet, of Alban3\ He was by occu- 
pation a cordwainer. 

Jolui, oldest son <f Ahasueras, was born June 26th, 1698. 
He married, January 12tli, 1725, Sara, daughter of Claas 
De Graft". He ivas a merchant, and owned the house and lot 
No. 23 Front street. II(^ must have died before 1753, for 
his widow then <)ccii[)ic(l lln" property. 



EAELY SETTLERS. 109 

Ahosiieras, the oldest ,so7i of John, honi June 26th, 1726, 
married, January 1st, 1749, 3Iaria, daughter of Hendrick 
Vrooman. 

Henri/, a son of Ahasueras, born May 25th, 1753, married 
Cornelia Pootman December 1st, 1793. He died August 12th, 
1821. Slie died January 3d, 1837. He lived on the north 
side of Front street, on the k)t now occupied by his grand- 
daughter, Mrs. J. W. Harman. Henry Marsellus left only 
one child, Maria, who married Hon. Richard McMichael, 
for the term of four years a Senator of the State of New 
York. 

Xidiolas, a son of Ahasueras, born August 15th, 1766, 
married, September 14th, 1788, Matilda, daughter of Isaac 
Resa. He died August 12th, 1848, aged 82 years. 

John A., another son of Ahaseuras, born June 8th, 1777, 
married, January 5th, 1800, Calharine, daughter of Jacob 
Schermerhorn. He died October 12th, 1845, aged 68 years, 
leaving no issue. He was known as Quaker John, beloved by 
every bod}', and died deeply regretted by all. 

Sarah, a daughter of Ahasueras, married, October 9th, 
1763, William Lighthall. 

Angelica, also a dauglder, married Harmanus H. Van Slyck. 

Claas, another son of John, 8r., cordwainer, married, April 
30th, 1757, Lena, daughter of Dirk Merselis, He is said to 
have been killed by lightning, in 1766, while crossing the 
Mohawk river in a canoe. 

Jolin, oldest son af Claas, born January 27th, 1760, mar- 
ried Calharina, daughter of Isaac Vrooman. He lived in 
Ferry street, directly opposite to the Episcopal Church, and 
died December 15th, 1833. 

ISficholas, his oldest son, born March, 1792, is a minister 
of the Reformed Dutch Church, and married Jane, daughter 
of Colonel Henry R. Teller. 

Laurence, another son of John, ])orn February 23d, 1795, 
was lately, or is now, living, a respected gentleman, in jNIont- 
gomery county. 

Elizabeth, a daughter of Jolin, born November 27tli, 1785, 
married Jacob J. Clute. 



110 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Lena, another daug] iter, })orn December 11th, 1789, married 
Silas Andrews, a publisher, of Hartford, Connecticut. 

jSairik, also a daughter, born September 12th, 1800, mar- 
ried Rev. Aaron A. Merselis. 

Nicholas, a son ofClaas, born September 14th, 17(i6, mar- 
ried, April 17th, 1795, Sarah, daughter of Petrus Clute. He 
died November 28th, 1845, aged 79 years. She died March 
28th, 1872, aged 94 years, 5 months, 21 days. They had 
children. 

Dirk, born May 6th, 1797, died September 11th, 1832. 

Peter, born June 3d, 1801, father of Richard Marselis, 
Esq., of Schenectady. 

Helena, born August 22d, 18Q6, died young. 

Catharine, born January 22d, 1811, married Jacob F. 
Clute, Esq., of Schenectady ; died April 12th, 1846. 

John, born November 2d, 1816, who is still living, and 
with much attachment occupies the old homestead, of which 
we have before written as one of the oldest and best preserved 
buildings in Schenectady. 

Dirk, second son of Ahasueras, Sr., born January 5th, 1700, 
married. Jr.ly 26th, 1726, Lyshet, daughter of Jan Baptist 
Van Eps. 

Helena, Dirk's daughter, born March 4th, 1732, married 
Claas Merselis. 

Catharine, another daughter, born Feljruary 15th, 1736, 
married Pieter Clute. 

Gysbert, also a son of Ahasueras, Sr., born June 4th, 1704, 
married, May 31st, 1730, Elizabeth, daughter of Arent Van 
Antwerpen. 

Arent, oldest son of Gysbert, born November 26th, 1732, 
married, December 23d, 1758, Rebecca, daughter of Jacob 
Vrooman. 

Captain Ahasueras, also a son of Guysbert, Ijorn April 
12th, 1740, married, September 1st, 1765, Hester, daughter 
of Nicholas Visscher, of Niskayuua. 

Takel, another son of Guysbert, born January 1st, 1709, 
married, March 16tli, 1738, Jacomyntje, daughter of Jan 
Baptist Van Eps. 



EAELY SETTLERS. Ill 

Isaac, also a son of Guysbevi, bora June 29th, 1723, mar- 
ried, August 5th, 1748, Sarah, daughter of Wouter Swart. 
He was a merchant. 

/Sara, a daughter of Gut/sberi, born June 9th, 1731:, mar- 
ried Jacobus Van Sice. 

C/aas Andriese De Graf came to Schenectady in 1688. 
He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Brouwer, of 
Albany. Soon after his arrival, he settled on what was then 
and is now called the Hoek Fann, situated in the present 
town of Glenville. (This farm, until lately, belonged to the 
Reese family.) His wife died November 18th, 1723, but I 
have been unable to ascertain the time of his decease. 

Abraham, the oldest son of Claas Andriese, born November 
14th, 1688, married. August 17th, 1725, Rebecca, daughter 
of Abraham Groot. He lived in the old Red House, standing 
on the margin of the Sacandaga Turnpike, near the resi- 
dence of Phillip K. Toll, Esq., and his burning-ground lies not 
far from the rear of the house. 

From his family Bible, still in tolerable preservation, are 
translated the following entries on the fly-leaf, which entries 
are well sustained by traditionary history : 

" 1746, October 30th, Abraham De Graff and his son 
William were taken captive to Canada." 

" 1747, June 12th, Abraham De Graff, died at Quebec, in 
Canada, and was buried there." 

" 1748, July 18th, Nicholas De Graff (son of Abram), and 
26 others, were murdered at Beukendaal by the savage 
Indians." 

Nicholas, the oldest son of Abraham, born Maj' 26th, 1726, 
married Ariantje, daughter of John Schermerhorn. We 
have seen, by the Bil)le entry, that he was killed at Beuken- 
daal, when only a little more than 22 years old. He left sur- 
viving him an infant son, Abraham, who, on the 29th Janu- 
ary, 1774, married Margaretta, daughter of William Schermer- 
horn. Desolate as his father's family was left, Abraham died 
June 1st, 1810, leaving surviving him the following children : 

Elizabeth, a daughter, born July 23d, 1775, married Thomas 
Chapman. 



112 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Tanneke, also a daughter, born November 1st, 1778, mar- 
ried Cornelius Viele. 

Rachel, another daughter, born March 11th, 1781, died un- 
married. 

Abraham, a son, born Deceniber 16th, 1790, is still living 
at the advanced age of nearly 88 years. 

Lawrence, also a son, born May 25th, 1793, is lately de- 
ceased, all the surviving children of Abraham leaving numer- 
ous descendants, except Elizabeth and Rachel, 

Abraham, another son of Abraham, who died at Quebec, 
born August 24th, 1732, married, August 4th, 1753, Rachel, 
daughter of Johannes Clute. He died January 19th, 1750, 
leaving an only child, Abraham, born April 20th, 1754. 

Cornelius, another son of Abraham, born November 23d, 
1738, married, September ICtli, 1769, Rebecca, daughter of 
Frederick Van Patten. He was for thirty-two years Voor- 
leger of the Dutch Church of Schenectady, and stout lungs his 
old admirers claim for him. The writer remembers the dig- 
niiled, venerable clerk well. He lived on the south side of 
State street, in a house next west of Mrs. Al)el Smith's 
house — indeed, owned the lot on which her dwelling stands. 
In 1800, he removed to his farm in Gienville, near the loca- 
tion of the Beukendaal massacre, where he died July 11th, 
1830, aged 91 years, 7 months and 7 days, having had three 
sons and three daughters. Albert W. Veddcr, Esq., of Gien- 
ville, an ao'ed citizen, is one of his "rand-children. 

Willia7n, also a son of Abraham, Sr., born November 20th, 
1734, who was carried, with his father, captive to Canada, 
never returned ; probably died there, as his father did. 

Hester, a daughter of Abraham, Sr., born April 8th, 1728, 
married Philip liylcy. 

Jesse, son of Claas Andriese, l)orn August 4th, 1688, mar- 
ried, October 20th, 1705, Aaltie Hemnou, in New York. He 
was carried away captive to Canada at one time, but returned. 

Daniel, son of Jesse, born May 26lh, 1708, married, June 
26th, 1735, Gezina, daughter of Simon Swits. He died 
March 12th, 1790, aged nearly S2 years. She died January 
22d, 1801, aged 88 years. 



EARLY SETTLERS, 113 

Jesse, son of Daniel, born Jauimiy 13th, 1745, married, 
Noveml)er 19th, 1774, Rachel daughter of Abriiham Fonda. 
Had onl^' one child, Daniel, wlio died young. 

Simon, son of Daniel, born April 6th, 1753, married, 
December 6th, 1779, tirst, Annatie, daughter of Simon 
Schermerhorn. She died September 21st, 1783, leaving only 
one child, Gezina, who died young. He secondly married, 
April 12th, 1787, Jannete, daughter of Harmanus Bradt. 
Their children were : 

Daniel, born August 12th, 1788, Avho married a daughter 
of the Old Surveyor, Josias Swart ; also a son named 
Harmanus, born January 8th, 1791 ; also a daughter named 
Annatje, born August 23d, 1794, and now the widow of 
Alexander Van Eps, and residing in Schenectady. 

Simon De Graff's lirst wife. Janete, was a sister of Maus 
luid John Schermerhorn, deceased, aged citizens so louir and 
favorably known in this community. 

Isaac, son of Daniel, born November 16th, 1757, married, 
Deceml)er 19th, 1779, Susanna, daughter of Jan Baptist Van 
Eps. He died December 21st, 1844, aged 87 yrs. 1 m. 5 days. 

Daniel, oldest son of Isaac, was born June 16th, 1780. 

John, the second son of Isaac, born October 2d, 1783, died 
July 2 2d, 1848. He was several times Mayor of Schenec- 
tad}', was for many years a successful merchant, and one of 
the firm of Walton & De Grafi', a large contractor with the 
United States Government, both by land and water, to for- 
ward supplies, ammunition, stores and necessaries to its 
armies on the frontiers, and its navies on the Western lakes. 
He also served the district in which Schenectady is located 
two terms in Congress. He died unmarried. 

Jesse, another son of Isaac, born January 9th, 1801, mar- 
ried Gerzena, daughter of Harman Vischer, of Cauirhnawaiia, 
Montgomery county. 

Gezina, oldest daughter of Isaac, born January 13th, 1788, 
married Abraham Oothout. This was the mother of our 
much-esteemed citizen, G. Lansing Oothout, Esq. 

Susanna, another daughter of Isaac, born March 29th, 
1793, married the late Peter Bancker. 



114 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Annalje, also a daughter, hovn March, 10th, 1795, married 
Philip Toll, son of Girl Ilanseu Toll. 

Snmnim, a daughter of Daniel, born ]May 5th, 1737, mar- 
ried Andreas Truax. 

Geziua, another daughter of Daniel, born November 6th, 
1747, married Col. Frederick Vischer, of Caughnawaga. 

Alida, also a daughter, l)orn March 9th, 1750, married 
Johannes Vedder. 

Arnout (Arnold), another son of Claas Andrese, born in 
1G94, married. May 13th, 1715, Ariantje, daughter of 
Claas Vander Volgen. He died March 27th, 1731, after 
which his widow married Harmanus Vedder. 

Claas, son of Arnout, a carpenter, born March 14th, 1716, 
married, ^r.S'^, Leah Gonsalus ; secondlg, married Cafg, daugh- 
ter of Abraham Truax, February 1st, 1754, in All)any. 

Manuel, Jus oldest son, and bg hvi first icife, born February 
10th, 1751, married Rebecca Gonzalus. He vvjis one of the 
first settlers of Amsterdam, Montgomery county. His farm 
Avas situated two miles east of that village. He has been 
succeeded on that farm by his son Manuel, born January 24th, 
1789, and he by his son Manuel, the present owner. Manuel 
the second died in Amsterdam, July 1st, 1844, leaving 
several children. Philip K. Toil, Esq., of Glenville, mar- 
I'ied one of his daugliters. 

Isaac, also a son of Claas Andrese, born August 4th, 
1691, married, August 18th, 1725, Debora, daughter of 
Jeremiidi Thickstone. He was a cai'[)enter, and lived on the 
north side of Front street, a little east of Church street. 

Jeremiah, son of Isaac, born October 21st, 1727, married 
Annatje, daughter of Johannes Quackenbosch, and left sur- 
viving him several sons and daughters. 

John, cdso a son of Isaac, born April, 1740, mavvied, frsi, 
November 12th, 1763, Rebecca, daughter of Gerrit Van 
Vranken ; secondlg, married, July 1st, 1769, Annatje, daugh- 
ter of Harmanus Peek. He left surviving him three sons, 
respectively named Gerrit, Isaac and Harmanus. 

Andries, another son of Claas Andrese, born in 1699, mar- 
ried Neeltje, daughter of Daniel Van Antwerpen. He left 



EAKLY SETTLERS. 115 

Init one child, Lyshef, who ninrried, Fc1:>i'ii;iiy 5th, 1726, 
Philip Groot 

Antje, a daughter of CJaas Aiidrese, born Angust 27th, 
1693, married Cornelius Christianse. 

Sara, another daughter, born January 8th, 1696, married 
John Marselis. 

Eva, also a daugJder, married Jacol) Van Olinda. 

Elizabeth, another daughter, married Nicholas Stensil. 

JMargarlta, also a daughter,' nvdvv'ied liobert Yates. 

Frederick Gerritse, farmer, and Elizabeth CJiridianse, his 
wife, were residents of Schenectady in 1687. On September 
9th, 1689, he conveyed to Myndert Wemp ten acres of land 
at Maalwyck and Bents Island, formerly Ijelonging to Ben- 
jamin Roberts, always called by the old settlers '•'Bent 
Roberts^ from which circumstance the island in the Mohawk, 
three miles above the city and opposite the Viele farms, 
was so called. 

Bent {Benj(/min) Roberts, an early settler of Schenectad3\ 
I am unable precisely to fix the year. He certainly was there 
before 1669, for in that year he leased his house and lot in 
the village to Jan Kinckhout, baker, of Albany, when he 
removed to his farm at Maalwyck, where he had received a 
grant of 76 acres from the Mohawks, lying opposite the 
lands of Arent Bradt (the Noorman). He married Maria, 

widow of Clement, who had two sons, Peter and Joseph, 

by her first marriage. He made his will June 28th, 1706 ; 
and, having no children of his own, gave his property to his 
wife Maria; but, in case of her remarriage, to his siep-sons, 
Peter and Joseph. In 1710, Peter Clement sold his half of 
the Maalwyck farm, together with one-half of Bents Island, 
to Cornelius Viele for X495, and March 17th, 1712, his 
brother JosepJt sold the other half, as devised to him, for 
£400, to Carel Hansen Toll. Roberts, it seems, must have 
died soon after making his will, as appears from these con- 
veyances. 

Jan Rinckhout came to Schenectady in 1669. He leased 
the village house and lot of Benjamin Roberts, which his son 
Jurian subsequently purchased. His wife Avas Elizabeth 



116 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Rinclhout. Jan took, by will of his brother Daniel, in 1662, 
the house and lot corner of Exchange street and Broadway, 
Albany. 

Jurian RinckhoiU, son of Jan, came to Schenectady in 1702. 
His wife's name was Maria Idesen. He must have died soon 
afterwards, for he made his will Fel^ruary 2d, 1703, giving 
to his wife the use of his real and personal property at Sche- 
nectady and in New York during her life-time ; his father, 
Jan, to be maintained out of the estate ; his son Teums, then 
17 years old, to have the Schenectady farm at a fair price, 
and his son Ida, born February 28th, 1703, at Schenectady, 
when he comes of lawful age, to have his farm near New 
York. Jurian's widow married John Mclntyre June 17th, 
1701, who then settled at Schenectady, and William Mcln- 
tijre, a trader, in 1774, on the northwest of State and Ferry 
streets, was one of his descendants, 

Gi/sheH Gerritse P^avii^ra/je^ came to Schenectady in 1688. 
His lirst wife was Reyntie Stephense. He married, secondly, 
July 2cd, 1693, Lysbel, widow of Jan Van Eps. His son 
Alexander was killed by the French and Indians, Fel)ruary 
9th, 1690, and his son StejpJien carried away captive at the 
same time. He had, for the times, rich landed possessions 
in and about Schenectady. 

In 1699 he bought the large island lying west of Spnyten 
Duyvel island, in the jNIohawk river. He owned a house 
and large lot on Union street, between the lots of Jan Vroo- 
man and Arent Danielse Van Antwerpen. He also owned a 
considerable tract of Flats called '' Jufrons landt,''^ formerly 
a portion of the estate of Arent Van Curler. His [)asture lot, 
of eleven acres, bought of the ])atente'cs of Schcnectad}', 
February 11th, 1702, extended along the south side of Union 
street, from Ferry street to Maiden lane (now Centre street), 
and south about half-way to State street, embracing large 
sections of what :u'e now the Second and Fourth wards of the 
city. He left two children surviving him (sons), Gerrit and 
Gyshert. 

He made his will in 1709, and with that clear pcrce[)ti()n 
of equity, which so eminently distinguished our early Dutch 



EARLY SETTLERS. 117 

settlers, gave the great portion of this wealth to his oldest 
son Gerrit, because, as was the dogma of that day, his blood 
was nearest to the glories of defiant Holland. 

Gerrit, the oldest son and principal heir of Guysbert Ger- 
ritse, l)orn July l(3th, 1688, married, October 15th, 1704, 
Catryn{}e, daughter of Class Lourens Van der Volgen. He 
left several sons and daughters, most of whom removed to 
Albany and Schoharie counties, or up the Mohawk Valley ; 
but his oldest child, Gaydmt, born October 28th, 1705, 
continned to reside in Schenectady. He married, July 5th, 
1730, Maria Van A.nfwerpen, daughter of Daniel Simonse. 

Guyshert, youngest son of Guysbert Gerritse, born Jamiary 
od, 1(395, married, January 1st, 1717, Maryfje, daughter 
of Jan Hendrickse Vrooman. They removed from Schenec- 
tady. 

Teunise Carstensen caine to Schenectady in 1689. He had 
previously married Maritje, daughter of Pietersc Jacobse 
B()rsl)()om, one of the original fifteen proprietors of Sche- 
nectady. He had two children, Teunis arn} Ulizabefh. Must 
have died soon afterwards, for on the 16th day of March, 
1692, his widow Maritje, married Hendrick Wm. Brower. 

Philip PhiHpse came to Schenectady previous to 1689, for 
on that day we find him exchanging his land on the sixth 
Flat al)ove Schenectady, with Class William Van Coppernol, 
for the " Willoiv Flats,^^ which lie on the south side of the 
Mohawk river, about one mile above Crane's Village. Being 
the same lands that the Mohawks had given to Leah Van 
Slyck, the wife of Coppernol ; because her mother was a 
right jNlohawk, and Leah was related to the Mohawk castles. 
Pliilips, and his family removed to this land, now in the town 
of Florida, Montgomery county, and some of the name and 
other descendants still reside there. He married a dangh- 
ter of Harman Gansevoort, of Albany. 

Gerardus Camberfort. He came to Schenectady as early as 
May 6th, 1690, and lived there as late as 1697. In 1694 he 
sold his farm (now Towereune) to Caret Hansen Toll. The 
west bounds of Camberfort's land was in the west bounds of 
the township of Schenectady. His first wife was Antje Pall, 



118 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

by whom he had one child, Gerardus, born May 11th, 1G90. 
This son subsequently settled at New York, assuming the 
name " Comfort^ which probably is the English translatioji 
of CamberfoH. The father's second wife was Arianfje Uklnck, 
widow of Gerrit Classe Van Vranken, who he married Octo- 
ber 16th, 1(>92. He lived in Niskayuna as late as 1720. 

Jonathan Stevens, from Connecticut, born in 1675, married, 
July 24th, 1693, Lea Van Slych, widow of Class Williamse 
Van Coppernol. She was a half-blood Mohawk, and often 
acted as interpreter. Besides a house lot in Schenectady, 
Stevens owned a farm on the north side of the Mohawk river, 
about three miles northeast of the village, which, until 
recentl}', was occupied by some of his descendants. 

JSFicholas Hendncus, oldest son of Jonathan, born Novem- 
ber, 10th, 1697, married, May 29th, 1730, Marm Phoenix; 
the}' had several children, but all died young and unmarried, 
except Arent and Johamics. 

Arent, the eldest son of jVkhoIas Hendricvs, married, 
November 20th, 1768, Jennetje De Sjyitzer. He died in 
1784, leaving: survivino- him the folio wino; named children : 

Jonathan, born January 27th, 1770. 

Thwnas, born March 22d, 1772. 

Margaret, born May 18th, 1777. 

Maria, born December 31st, 1780. 

Hendricus, born April 27th, 1782. 

Nicholas, born February 26th, 1783 — after his father's 
decease — and died in Schenectady, 18th October, 1863. 

Arent, second son of Jonathan, born July 26th, 1702, mar- 
ried, first, January 3d, 1726, Maria, daughter of William 
Hall ; she died December 23d, 1739, aged 42 years. He 
m\ivv\c(\., secondly, Febrnary 4tli, 1749, Mary Griffiths, \\\(\o\y 
of Lieutenant Thomas Burrows, of the British army ; she died 
July 2d, 1794, aged 75 years. Arent, himself, died May 15th, 
1753. He owned lands, and for some time resided, at Canajo- 
harie. He often acted as Indian interpreter, and was often 
employed by Sir A\'m. Johnson in negotiations with the 
different tribes. 

Captain Jonathan Stevens, the oldest son of Arent, born 



EARLY SETTLERS. 119 

December 1st, 1726, was killed at the battle of Lake George, 
Septeinl)er 8th, 1755, a few miles from the fort, in the disas- 
trous aml)useade, where the iio'hle King Hendrick, the chival- 
ric and generous Col. Ephraini Williams, the founder of Wil- 
liams College, and the brave Captains McGinnis and Stevens, 
l)oth of Schenectady, fell, almost side by side. It was of the 
two last that Sir Wm. Johnson, in his official report of the 
battle and the ca})ture of Baron Dieskaw, wrote : '■'■ Maginnis 
and Stevens fought like lionsy Captain Jonathan was only 28 
}ears old Avhen he so desperately lost his life, and Avas unmar- 
ried. 

Arenfs other children were named as follows : 

Catarin, born August 1st, 1729, died August 27th, 1790. 

William, born Septemljer 10th, 1732. 

JVicholas, born November 14th, 1734. 

JoJanines, born July 31st, 1736. 

Jacobus, born December 13th, 1739. 

Second set of children. — Maria, born October 20th, 1750, 
married John Stuart. 

Richard, born Decem])er 10th, 1752, died in 1800. 

Anna, born April 22d, 1755, married Philip Fransikel. 

Jacobus Van Dijck, physician and surgeon, son of Cornelius 
A^an Dyck, of Albany, also a physician and surgeon, married, 
October 25th, 1694, Jacomytje, daughter of John Alexander 
Glen, of Scotia, whereupon, immediately after that, he settled 
at Schenectady. He was surgeon of the fort there. His house 
and lot was on the west side of Church street, 50 feet north 
of State street. 

Cornelius, son of Jacobus, l)orn August 28th, 1698. He 
became also ph\siciau and surgeon, and married, first, Nov- 
ember 12th, 1721, Maria, dimghter of Jan Pieterse Mcbie, 
and, secondlj, Margaret, daughter of Arent Bratt, March 
16th, 1738. He died February 15th, 1759, aged about 61 
years. He left surviving him several children, viz. : 

Elizabeth, born September 8th, 1722, married Harmanus 
Bratt. 

Johannes, 1)orn May 24th, 1724, removed to Canajoharie. 

Jacobus, born March 17th, 1726. 



120 HISTORY or SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Hendrkus, born AugiLst 29th, 1731, niarned Engeltje 
Mebie, diiiighter of Al)rahum Mebie, June 8th, 1753. 

Jacomi/nije^ born September 16th, 1733, married John 
Baptist Wendell. 

Cornelius, born October 8th, 1740, married, February 
20th, 1762, Tannake, daughter of Joseph Yates. In the 
Revolutionary War he Avas Lieutenant-Colonel of the First 
New York Regiment of Continentals, commanded by Colonel 
Gosen Van Schaick, of Albany, and when Van Schaick 
became Brigadier, Van Dyck was its Colonel. During the 
^x\\cAQ \\-M' '' tJii<i velerun First'' vi as distinguished as one of 
the best disciplined and most gallant regiments of the Avhole 
army — engaged in many battles. He is but a tame student of 
history Avho cannot folloAV it through the capture of Bur- 
goyne, the storming of Stony Point, and the linal assault on 
Yorktown. So great was the admiration of General Gates 
for the heroism of these veterans, that after the surrender at 
Saratoga, out of his Avhole army he selected Nicholas Van 
Hensselaer, one of its Captains, to carry the intelligence of 
Burgoyne's capture to the anxious citizens of All)an3\ Colo- 
nel Van Dyck Avas the grandson of John Alexander Glen, of 
Scotia, and lived in the old Van Dyck residence on Church 
street. He died June 9th, 1792, leaving no issue surviving 
him. 

Williarii Hall came to Schenectady shortly previous to 
April 13th, 1695, Avhen he married Tryntje Claesse, AvidoAV of 
Elias Van Guy sling. 

William, his son, born January 8th, 1696, married, Ai)ril 
10th, 1730, Anna Cooper, of New Jersey. 

Class, son of William, Sr., born September 1st, 1700, 
married, July 11th, 1724, Maria, daughter of Johannes Van 
Ant\veri)en. 

John, sou of William, Sr., born January 24th, 1703, mar- 
ried, September 30th, 1743, Uellesje. dangliter of Chias 
Frausen Van De Bogert. 

John, the son of William, Jr., born July 6tli, 1746, mar- 
ried, September 16th, 1770, Catari)i(t, daughter of Abraham 
Groot. He had several children, and was the father oi' John, 



EARLY SETTLERS. 121 

born July 25th, 1779, who resided upon the lot on the west 
side of Church street, south of the lot of Jeremiah Fuller, 
deceased. John Hall, who owned the lot next north of the 
Jeremiah Fuller lot. Avas the brother of William Hall, Jr., 
and his son Class (Nicholas) inherited and occupied it until 
his decease. Class' daughter, DehoraJi, Mrs. James Rosa, 
after her father's death, sold the premises to Jeremiah Fuller. 
Chias, the son of this second John, married Ilesier, dauo'h- 
ter of Isaac Swits. Pie died April 17th, 1828. She dVed 
December 8th, 1833, aged about 80 years. They were the 
l)arcnts of Debora/i, born January' -Ith, 178G, who married 
James Ilosa, Esq. 

William, a son of William, Jr., born December 1st, 1736, 
married Annatje, daughter of Johannes Barheyt. 

Antje (Anna), a daughter of William, Jr., born June 14th, 
1740, married, December 7th, 1763, Samuel Fuller, by whom 
she had two children. Anna and Jeremiah. She subsequently 
married, December 8th, 1788, George Kendall, with whom 
she had no issue. Her son, Jeremiah, married, January 23d, 
1791, Mary, the only child of George Kendall by a previous 
marriage. This excellent old lady, whom the writer has 
often seen and conversed with, was the grandmother of our 
distinguished fellow-citizen. General William K. Fuller, the 
most remarkably preseiwed specimen of early times in our 
borders, and also the ancestress of many much-esteemed 
descendants, still active citizens among us. She was the 
intimate friend and acquaintance of this writer's father, and 
it is one of the pleasures of his memory that he has so often 
seen and conversed with the motherly old lady. She died 
January 13th, 1833, in her ninety-third year. 

Maria, another daughter of William, Jr., born December 
31st, 1749, married Thomas Beth (Bath). 

JoJin Dyer, mason, from Wales, came to Schenectady in 
the early part of the year 1695, and on the 21st November 
in that year married Maria Dirkse, widow of Harmanus Hag- 
adorn. In 1714, he conveyed his farm, on the sixth Flat, to 
Reyer Schermerhorn. 

Johannes Ouderhirh, son of Janse, of Albany, came to Schc- 



122 msTopa' of sciienectady county. 

iicclady in KJU."), and on the 20tli May of tliat year married 
Naeltjp, Claas, Avidow of Ilendriek Gardenier. His wife 
owned a lot of 100 feet front on the north side of Union 
street, onedialf of whieh is now iiu-hided in the Dnteii C'hnreh 
lot, and the other half owned by Aaron Barringer, Esq. To 
give some evidence of the vahie of h)ts for some time after 
the hnining and desolation of Schenectady, this whole lot, 
then vacant, was valued at tifteen heaver skins, or $48. 
Oiiderkirk left surviving him four daughters. 

Casperufi Sjiriiigsleen, miller, came to Schenectady shortly 
})revious to KiD"), and in that year, Jidy 2-Sth, niarrietl Ja)i- 
iielje, daughter of Jacob Jansc Schernierhorn, and sister of 
the first Ryer, He left two sons and one daughter, but they 
seem, most or all of them, to have emigrated. 

Thomas Smith came from New England, and married, Se[)- 
tend)er 30th, 1696, Marui, daughter of Ludovicus Cobes, and 
wndow of Gerret Janse. He lived on the south side of the 
JNIohawk opposite the fourth Flnt. He left only one child, 
Anna, born July 28th, 1700. 

Martin Van Benthi/sen, son of Paulas Martense, of Al- 
bany, married, Jane 'Id, 16i)6, Fidje, daughter of Pieter 
Jacob Borsboom, on(; of the original fifteen proprietors of 
Schenectady. His daughter, Catah/ntje, born Alay .5th, 1700, 
married Isaac Truax ; and his son, Peter, l)orn April 22d, 
1705, removed to Albany. 

Jeremiah Tichston married, in KiD 7, Racliel, sister ol" Card 
Hanse Toll. He lived near and above llotrman's Ferry, oil 
a farm purchased of his brother-indaw. Toll. The Swarts 
afterwards possessed the farm. His daughter, EUzahdJi, born 
October l!)th, 1698, married Wouter Swart, and his daugh- 
ter, Debora, l)()rn October 30th, 1701. married Isaac De Graif. 

Carel Ilan.se Toll, a Sivede, came from the Island of Cnra- 
coa, almost direct to Schenectady certainly as early as 168") ; 
for we learn from the; All)any records thai in tiiat ^ear Carel 
Hansen Toll, of Schencclady. was married to Li/sbet Rinck- 
Jioiil, of Albany, and tliat his daiighier, Xeellje., was l)orn 
JiMie 2()lh, 16S(;. He tirst settled on land near or al Ilolf- 
nian's FeiT\- on lli<' noilli side of the Mohawk river, whii-h 



EAKLY SETTLERS. 123 

he h:ul bouoht of Ilendrick Culler ;ind Gcraldus C:iiiibei-- 
fort ; and also occLipied land, op^xxsite on the sonth side, 
pnrcha.sL'd of JohaiHies Luykass, which last Cann he conveyed 
to his brother-in-law, Tickston. 

In 1712, he i)nrcha.sed a tract of land at Maalwyck from 
Joseph Clement, to which he immediately removed, and some 
portion of which is still j)ossessed l)y his descendants. Abont 
this same time he also owned the lot in Schenectady, on the 
southeast corner of Union and Church streets, extending east- 
wardly ah)ng Union street, and including the present court- 
house h)t. This court-house h)t, 100 feet front by 210 deep, 
he sold, September 5th, 1712, for the sum of X50, to Isaac 
Van Valkenburgh, the son-in-law of the old proprietor, 
Jacques Van Slyck. Card Hansen Toll died in the month 
of March, 1738. 

Captain Daniel Toll., oldest son of Carel Hansen, l)orn July 
11th, 1(391, married, September 8th, 1717, Grietje, daughter 
of Samuel Bratt. She was born March 24th, 1686 ; died 
March 22d, 1743. Captain Toll made his will in 1747, and 
was killed July 18th, 1748, together with his hired man, 
Dirk Van Vorst, who were hunting for his strayed horses ; 
they were found barbarously murdered by the French and 
Indians, at a place called the ^^ Klai/kuil," about one-third 
of a mile north of the point of the Beukendal massacre. They 
were the lirst victims of that heart-rending slaughter. 

John, the oldest son of Captain Daniel, born August 13th, 
1719, married Eva Van Fatten, December 23d, 1742, and 
died December 31st, 1746, about two years before his father 
was killed, leaving suiwiving a son. 

Carel Hansen, born Fel^iuary 10th, 1746, who married, 
January 10th, 1768, Elizabeth, daughter of Philip liyley. 
He died August 26th, 1832. She died October 25th, 1839. 
This writer has often seen and admired that veiierable couple. 

Ilesther, his oldeM child, born July 14th, .1768, married, 
first, John Teller, May 15th, 1787 ; secondli/, Fi'ederick 
Van Patten. 

Ena, another dajtyhter, born Octolx-r 5th, 1771, marri(Hl 
John C. Vedder. 



124 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Rebecca, also a daugldev, born April Lst, 1778, married 
David Prime, Esq. Siie died Deceml)er 25th, 1867, aged 
nearly 89 years. 

Rev. John ToU, the oldest survivini/ son, born September 
13th, 1780, married, January 31st, 1802, JSfancy, daughter 
of Barent M_\ iiderse, Esq. He gradnated at Union College 
in 1799, and entered the ministry ot" the Reformed Dutch 
Church, and died on his farm, the old Carel Hansen home- 
stead, October 21st, 1849, leaving surviving him a son Philip 
Riley Toll, born February 8th, 1811, and a daughter Sarah 
Jane, born September 8th, 1815. 

/Samh, another daughter of Carel Hansen, l)orn September 
21st, 1783, married Arent Merselius, 

Hannah, also a daughter, born March 17th, 1788, married 
Simon P. Van Patten. 

Philip, the youngest son of Carel Hansen, born May 16th, 
1793, married Nancy, daughter of Isaac De Gralf, and 
sister of the late John J. De Grati". He died August 17th, 
1862. 

>Simon, the second so?i of Carel Hansen, Sr., born May 
8th, 1698, married Hester, daughter of Isaac De Grati', June 
13th, 1731. He died in 1777, and his wife in 1793. 

Elizabeth, his oldest child, born October 31st, 1731, mar- 
ried John Fairly. 

Carel Hansen, the oldest son of Simon, l)orn September 
2d, 1733, married Maria Kettle, October 2d, 1759. He 
left one son and three daughters ; none of whom seem to 
have remained in Schenectady county. 

Alida, a daughter of 8imon, born Scptendier 2;)d, 1735, 
married Johannes Mebie. 

Annalie, also a daughter, born December 2Lst, 1737, mar- 
ried William Kettle, 

John, a son of Siinon, horn July 24th, 1743, married, 
December 2 2d, 1764, Catarina. daughter of Arent Veedcr. 
This was the father of our eccentric but respected citizen, 
DanielJ. Toll, a physician, l)orn jNIarch 3d, 177(i, who mar- 
ried, June 2()th. 1801, Catalina, Wcnq)lc. He died April, 
1849, leavinir no issue. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 125 

Jesse, also a son of Simon, boni M:iy 18th, 1746, iiiarried 
Maria Viele. He removed to, lived tiiid died in Sanitoga 
county. 

Eva, another daugJtter, boni Jtuiiuuy 15tli, 1749, inarried 
Lodovieus Viele. 

Daniel, the youngest son of Simon, born October 27th, 
1751, miiri'ied, July 2d, 1775, Susanna, daughter of Isaac 
Jaeobse Swit.s. This was the grandfather of our deceased 
citizen, Col. Abrani W. Toll, and of his active brothers, 
Charles H. and Daniel Toll, Esqs. 

Bregje, a daughter of Carel Hansen, Sr., born April 18th, 
1703, married, Novend)er 2(ith, 1741, Adrian Van Slyck, 
who was killed at the Beukendal massacre, 18th July, 1748. 
This was a gi-andson of the old proprietor, Jacques Van 
Slyck. 

Lijsbeth, also a daughter, born January 29th, 1700, married 
Pieter Cornee, December 1st, 1734. Gornee was a French- 
man, and a carpenter by occupation. He built iha preeckstoel 
(pulpit) of the Dutch Church of 1734 for £20. He owned, 
in 1738, a house and lot on the south side of State street, 
where the New York Central and Hudson River railroad 
now crosses. « 

Manusah Sixherry, a young Englishman, from London, 
came to Schenectady in 1698, and, March 16th, 1699. mai-- 
ried Pieteje, daughter of John Janse Jonkers, one of the early 
settlers of Schenectady. He owned a farm on the first Flat, 
about four miles above Schenectady, on the south side of the 
Mohawk. He died in 1710, leaving a son William and a 
daughter Mary. 

Cornelius Slingerland, son of Tennis Cornelise, of Albany, 
came to Schenectady in the latter part of 1689, and. May 
28th, 1669, married Eva, sister of Jan Pieterse Mehie. 

Engeltie, his oldest child, born Januaiy 9th, 1700, married 
Hendrickse Janese Vrooman. 

Anna, another daughter, born October 4th, 1703, married 
Johannes Slingerland. 

Maria, also a daughter, born August 25th, 1705, married 
Jan Eckerson. 



126 HISTORY OF SCllEXECTADY COUNTY. 

Catharina, another daughttr, bom April 28th, 1710, married, 
first, Hendrick Van Sl3ck ; sevondh/, Barthelome Vrooniaii. 

Tennis, his only son, hovw May 18th 1723, settled in Albany, 

GiUis Van Voast, son of Jacobus Gerritse, of Albany, born in 
1670, came to Schenectady in 1699. He married Elizabeth, 
daughter of John Baptist Van Eps, and widow of Tennis 
Viele, on the 16th day of July of that year. In 1762 he 
bought of Johannes Ouderkirk and Neeltje Classe, his wife, 
the lot on Union street, 100 feet front and rear by 200 feet 
deep, Amsterdam measure, lying next east of the Dutch 
Church lot, the westerly half [)nrehased of the estate of Isaac 
Risfii's, deceased, now embraced in the church-yard, and the 
other half now owned and occupied by Aaron Barringer, Esq. 

Johannes, oldest son of Gillis, born November 9th, 1701, 
married, September 13th, 1726, Hanna, daughter of Ahas- 
ueras Marselis. He inherited the easterly half of his father's 
lot next the Dutch Church, in Union street, 

JoJin, son of Johannes, born Deceni1)er 21st, 1737, married, 
March 27th, 1767, 3Iary Adams. He inherited from his 
father lot munl)er 25, Union Street. He and family removed 
to Schoharie. 

Sarah, a daughter of Johannes, Sr., Ijorn December 5th, 
1730, married Jacobus [James) Lighthall. 

Jacomyntje, another daughter, born October 3()th, 1743, 
married, October 14th, 1765, Tennis Barheit, 

Jacohus, another son of Gillis, born December 12th, 1703, 
nuirried,_/?V.s'^, February 14th, 1728, Anna, daughter of Caleb 
Beek ; secondly. May 26tli, 174!), /Sarah, daughter of Jellis 
Fonda. 

Anna, a daughter of Jacobus, born Octo])er 22d, 1732, 
married, July, 1753, Claas Van der Bogert. 

Jellis, a son of Jacobus, born February Oth, 1735, married 
Anna, daughter of William Barheit, June 19th, 1756. He 
died September 4th, 1823. 

Calcdynije, his daughter, born February 6ih, 1757, married 
Jan Baptist Clute. 

Jacobus, his son, born February 14th, 1762. married, June 
2d, 1788, Willempie, daughter of Pieter Truax. He died, 



EARLY SETTLERS, 127 

at a very advanced age, as late as 1840. His wife died in 
Glenville in Septenil)er, 1855, in her 98tli year. 

Maria, another dangl iter of JdJk, ])()rn October 19th, 17G6, 
niai-ried Cornelius Reagles. 

Rebecca, also a daughter, born March 10th, 1771, married 
Martin us Frank. 

Rath, another daughter, born July 25th, 1778, married 
Martinus Easterly. 

Johannes, son of Jacobus, born January 19th, 1741, mar- 
ried Sarah, daughter of Joachim Kittle, September 11th, 
1762. He died on his homestead in Glenville, May 23d, 
1844, in his 103d year. His wife died February 1st, 1834, 
aged nearly 90 years. They had children. 

Jacobus, Ijorn May 23d, 17(J3, died August 9th, 1851, 
without issue. 

JouchiuL (Major Gershom) born July 28th, 1765. He 
married January 12th, 1789, Neeltje, daughter of Al))ert 
Vedder, and lived on the Troy and Schenectady turnpike, 
near the easterly bounds of the city. He was much esteemed, 
and durmg one term sheriff of this county. He died July 
18th, 1849, in his 85th year, and was the father of our well- 
known citizens, John J. Van Vorst, born November 14th, 
1794, still living ; and Albert Van Vorst, born December 
16th, 1799, wheedled August 26th, 1869. 

Amiatje, a daughter of Johannes, born Feljruary 13th, 
1768, married Joseph Shurtleff, the son of the lirst Post- 
master of Schenectady. She died October 5th, 1855, ai»ed 
nearly 87 years. 

Caleb, another son of Johannes, horn October 24th, 1770, 
married HiJIegonda, daughter of Adam Vrooman. She died 
March 25th, 1858, and was then a widow. 

Adam, also a son, born Se[)tember 11th, 1773, married 
May 20th, 1799. Annatje Vedder. He died on his farm in 
Glenville, Februar}- 6th, 1844, aged al)()ut 71 years. She 
died March 21st, 1872, aged 92 years 11 months. He was 
the father of John and Edwin B. Van Vorst. 

Jillzs, another son of John, born January 12tli, 1777, mar- 
ried June 15th, 1798, Helena Granger. 



128 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUXTY. 

JoJin, the youngest son of John, hovn N()veinl)er 12tli, 1780, 
died March 15th, 1814. 

John Baptist, third son of Jacobus, born Febriuuy 23, 1746, 
married Margarita, daughter of John Marinas. He owned 
and occupied the farm for many years, at what was then 
called the Lower Ferry, adjoining Freman's Bridge. He 
left surviving him several sons and daughters. Bata, one of 
his daughters, married Simon Glen, of Schenectady. 

Abraham, son of Jacobus, hovn April 3d, 1743, married 
Maria, daughter of Jacob Heemstreet. He lived in Glenville, 
near the Ael Platts creek ; dying at the advanced age of 90 
}'eai's. This Avas the father of Abraham Fonda Van Vorst, the 
father of Alirani A. Van Vorst, our much-esteemed citizen and 
formerly Mayor of the city of Schenectady. Al)rahani F. 
died in Glenville, December 19th, 1853, aged about 69 years. 

Dirk, another son of Jellis, born August 25tli, 1705, first, 
married, August 5th, 1733, Emmitje, daughter of Philip 
Bossie ; secondhj, June 30th, 1758, Maria, daughter of 
Thomas Hall. His son Jellis, born April 15th, 1734, mar- 
ried Catrina Van Der Heyden ; and his daughter Elizabeth, 
born April 10th, 1737, married John M. Youtis. 

Dowe, also a son of Jellis, born February 15th, 1710, mar- 
ried, August 29th, 1735, Margaret, daughter of Philip 
Bessie. His daughter, Elizabeth, born July 10th, 1739, 
married Norman McCloud. 

Jolm Baptist, another son of JilUs, Ijorn Octoljer 21st, 
1711, married June 28th, 1739, CatJiarina, daugther of 
Ahasueras jMarselis. He owned the westerly one-half of 
his father's lot on Union street, now included in the Dutch 
Church yard. 

Elizabeth, his dauglder born June, 7th, 1741, married 
John Henry. 

SaraJi, another daughter, born July 10th, 1743, married 
Tennis Swart. 

Anna, also a daughter, born ]\Iay 12lh, 1745, married Jacob 
C. Peek. 

Maria, another daughter, ))orn ]May 61 h, 1750, married 
Cornelius Pootman. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 129 

Susanna, also a dauglder, bom July 23cl, 1758, married 
John Corl. 

Jillis, his only son, born October 14th, 1747, married 
November 23d, 1764, Cutarina Van Der Heydeii. 

Johannes Mi/nderse, sou of Myndert Fredericke, of Albany, 
born in 1666, came to Schenectady iu 1700. He married 
Gertruy, daughter of Jacques Cornelisse Van Slyck. He was 
a blacksmith by occupation, armorer to the Fort, an Indian 
trader, and reputed to be a man of great decision and firm- 
ne:>s of character. In the conflicts with Albany about the 
commercial rights of Schenectady, in 1723, he was arrested 
by the Sheritf of Albany county, and brought before the 
Common Council of that place, for having, contrary to the 
ordinances of that generous community, received into and 
harl)()red in his house Indians with beaver and other peltry. 
Whereupon he was lined XIO, and although abundantly able 
to pay, in default of payment, the sheriff was ordered to 
keep Mynderse safely in the common jail, from whence he 
shortly escaped. In this dilemma, the council determined to 
punish the sheriff for his negligence, and Avith the nicest 
sense of the famous Dutch justice of the Mohawk, resolved 
" that the sheriff should pay Mynderse's fine and costs." Not 
content with this state of affairs, the fearless Mynderse 
appealed the whole case to the Supreme Court of the Province 
sitting in New York, and gained his cause. The Common 
Council was mulcted in damages, £42 9.5. ?>d. Itwas a noble 
battle in the interests of Schenectady ; and this decision, 
for the first, effectually established its rights to the same privi- 
leges of trade as the citizens of Albany. 

He owned real estate on the west corner of Mill lane and 
State street, and the lot now No. 93 State street, and east of 
it. He died in 1757, aged about 90 years, and left surviving 
three sous and one daughter. 

Myndert, his oldest son, born January 29th, 1706, married 
January 15th, 1736, Maria, daughter of Jan Barentse Wemp. 
He inherited from his father the premises now 93 State street, 
and land east of it. He died in 1763. 

Bavent, son of Myndert, born Fel)ruary 6th, 1747, married, 
9 



130 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. - 

I)oceinl)cr 2d, 1110, Jannetje VanVranken. He died August 
3Utli, 1815. 

Col. Johannes, son of Mf/nderi, born October 18th, 1741, 
murricd Annalje, daughter of Simon Vedder. He died Octo- 
ber 29th 1815, aged 74 years, 4 days. She died March 9th, 
1825. He left surviving him Simon, a son, born June 10th, 
1787 ; died unmarried. 

BarenL another son {i)hy&\chin), horn July 17th, 1790, mar- 
ried, p'rst, Catharine Donw Ten Eyck, of Allxmy ; second///, 
Sarah, daughter of Jacob Kip, leaving surviving him one son, 
named Aaron. Doctor Mynderse died March 8tli, 18(30. 

Aaron, also a son, born September 3d, 1793, married Anna 
M., daughter of Rev. Herman Vedder, of Galhitin, CoUnnl)ia 
county. He died September 24th, 1834, leaving one son and 
three daughters. 

Gertrude, a daughter of Myndert, born July 11th, 173G, 
married Peter Van Dor Volgen. 

Margaret, another daughter, born May 24th, 1744, married 
Tennis A. Swart. 

Margaret, daughter of John, the first settler, born September 
28th, 1740, married Pieter Groenendyk. 
-\..Reinier {merchant), son of John, born October 6th, 1710, 
married, March 25th, 1743, Catharina, daughter of Lourens 
Claas Van Der Volgen. His father gave him a house and 
lot on State street, next east of his brother Myndert's lot ; 
also a l(jt on the west corner of State street and Mill lane, on 
Avliich stood his dwelling-house in 1781. He made his will 
April 7th, 1784, and died soon afterwards. 

JoJin, son of Reynier, born December 25th, 1743 married 
Catarina, daughter of Joseph li. Yates, March 18th, 1758. 
He died September 6th, 1819, aged nearly 76 years, leaving 
surviving one scm, Joseph, born September 23d, 1770, who 
died September 17th, 1830, aged 60 years, and unmarried ; 
also, one daughter, Catharine, born September 6th, 1772, 
married to Hon. Henry Yates. She was the mother of our 
late deceased citizen, Ste[)hen Yate.;^, Es(p 

Susanna, a daughter of liynier, inarrie d-, April 18lh, 1 746, T 
Volekert Veeder. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 131 

Gertrude^ also a dmigJder, m«meil, November 27tli, ] 74-8. 
AViUiuin Mead, M. D. ' 

Lawrence, another son of Reiiiier, born October 12th, 1751, 
married, December 8th, 1785, C/(m^«';?a, daughter of Nicholas 
De Graft". He died August 10th, 1789, leaving two daugh- 
ters surviving him, named Margaretta and. Catalyiitje. 

Jacobus [James), the third son of Johannes, born April 22d, 
1709, married, April 22d, 1743, Sarah, daughter of Robert 
Yates. He Avas a citizen much esteemed, and member of the 
Provincial Assembly in the years 1752, 1768 and 1769. He 
owned the lot next west of his brother Riniers, corner of State 
street and Mill lane, being the property lately owned by G. 
Q. Carley, deceased, and now partly occupied, by Church 
street continued. He also owned the lot opposite the court- 
house, on Union street, probabl}^ inherited by his wife from 
her father, Robert Yates. He left surviving him two chil- 
dren. 

Gerfrnde, his daughter, born September 8tli, 1745, married 
Myndert Wemple. 

Margaret, another daugJder, born May 24lh, 1759, mar- 
ried John C. Yates. 

Jillis Fonda, son of Douw Jellisse, of AJbani/, born in 1670, 
married, Deceml)er 11th, 1695, RacJiel, daughter of Peter 
AVinne, of Albany. He came to Schenectady in 1700, and 
was a gunsmith. He died in 1737, and left survivino- him 
a numerous and historic family of children, who have contri- 
buted nmch to the healthy and respectable population of 
Schenectady, Montgomery and Fulton counties. 

Douvj, the oldest son of Jellis, born September 1st, 1700, 
married, October 21st, 1725, Maritje, daughter of the heroic 
Adam Vrooman. He removed from Schenectady in 1751, 
and settled at Caughnawaga, In October, 1780, he vs^as an 
aged widower, residing there, with a few domestics, in a large, 
stone dwelling, with wings, which stood on the Flats between 
the present turnpike and the Mohawk river. His three sons, 
John, Jellis and Adam, were living in the neighborhood. I 
am justified in stating how this brave old Schenectadi.'ui died ; 
and in doing so, make an extract from "/Seww' History of the 



132 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Border Wars, elc, of jVeiv York.''' After Avriting of the mur- 
derous desceut of Sir John Johnson, Avith his lories and 
Indians, upon the Mohawk Valley, and Caughnawaga par- 
ticuhirly, he adds : " When the alarm first reaehed the family 
of Douw Fonda, Penelope Grant, a Scotch girl living with 
him, to whom the old gentleman was much attached, urged 
him to accompany her to the hill, whither the Romeyn family 
were fleeing ; but the old patriot had become childish (more 
likely feeling the blood of Holland tingling in his veins), 
and seizing his gun, he exclaimed : ^Penelope, do yon stay here 
with rae — I ivill fight for you to the last drop of my blood. ^ 
Finding persuasion of no avail, she left him to his fate, which 
was, indeed, a lamentable one ; for soon the enemy arrived, 
and he was led out by a Mohawk Indian, known as one- 
armed Peter (he having lost an arm), toward the baidv of 
the river, where he was tomahawked and scalped. His mur- 
derer had often partaken of his hospitality, having lived for 
many years in his neighl)orhood. Mr. Fonda had long been 
a warm })ersonal friend of Sir William Johnson, and it is 
said Sir John much regretted his death, and censured the 
murderer. AVith the plunder made at Douw Fonda's were 
four male slaves and one female, who were all taken to Can- 
ada." This statement was derived from Mrs. Penelope 
Forl^es, formerly Grant. 

Major JelKs, son of Douw, born March 24th, 1727, at 
Schenectady, married, January 16th, 1750, Jannetje, daughter 
of Hendrick Vrooman. He early removed to Caughnawaga. 
He was the flrst merchant in the Mohawk Valley west of 
Schenectady, and a man of great enterprise and extensive busi- 
ness for the times, trading with the white citizens of the valley, 
and the natives of Western New York. INIany of his goods 
he imported directly from London. He always accompanied 
Sir Wm. Johnson on his military expeditions as commissary, 
and they were upon terms of great friendship, and in many 
respects possessed similar sporting tastes. Many years ago 
it was customary to talk of Yankee shrewdness and dull 
Dutch honesty ; but as that doctrine is nearly ex[)loded, and 
I possessed of a large tincture of the real Holland, and a 



EARLY SETTLERS. 133 

little spice of sporting properties, cannot resist the temp- 
tation of extracting from Sims' History, at page 137, a 
traditional anecdote of those two enterprising men, as 
foHows — the one imfurling the Dutch and the other the 
Irish banner : 

" In the employ of Sir AYilliam Johnson, a few years 
before his death, was an Irishman named McCarthy, by 
repntation the most noted pugilist in Western New York. 
The baronet offered to pit his fellow-countryman against any 
man who could be produced for a hst- fight. Major Fonda, 
tired of hearing the challenge, and learning tliat a very 
muscular Dutchman, named John Van Loon, was living near 
Brakabeen, in the Schoharie Valley, made a journey of some 
40 or 50 miles to secure his professional services, for he, too, 
was rei)uted a bully. 

"Van Loon readily agreed to flog the son of Erin for a 
ten-pound note. At the time appointed, numbers were 
assembled at Caughnawaga to witness the contest between 
the pugilists. After McCarthy had been swaggering al)out 
in the crowd for awhile, and greatly excited public expec- 
tation b}' his l)oastiug, inducing numbers to bet on his head, 
his com[)etit()r appeared ready for the contest, clad for the 
occasion in a shirt and breeches of dressed deer-skin fitting 
tightly to his i)erson. 

'* A ring was foi-med juul the battle commenced. The 
bulh^ did his best ; l)ut it was soon evident that he was not 
a match for his Dutch adversar}^, who slipped through his 
fingers like an eel, and parried his blows with the greatest 
ease. Completely exhausted and almost bruised to a jelly 
Sir William's gamester was removed ; looking, if not con- 
fessing, Peccavir 

Major Fonda died June 2od, 1791, leaving a son, Douw, 
who died at Albany, Septenil)er 11th, 1838, without issue, 
aged 80 years ; also a son Henri/, who died at Caughnawaga, 
April 4th, 1815, aged 41) years, leaving a son and daughter. 

Margaret, daughter of Douw and sister of Mary Jellis, 
born in 1764, married John R. Yates, Esq., brother of 
Robert Yates, Ion"; a distiniruished Chief Justice of the 



134 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Supreme Court of the State of New York, and himself many 
years Surrogate of the county of Schenectady. 

Marf/aret Fonda was the mother of the late Giles F. Yates, 
and the grandmother of Mrs. Judge Austin A. Yates. 

Alargarelta, a daughler of Domo, born Novenihcr 10th, 
1734, married Barent M Wemple. 

Peter, anolher son of JeJlis, the first settler, \nm\ ]\Iarcli (Jth, 
1711, married, June 27th, 1735, Maria, daughter of Daniel 
Van Antwerpen, and left onl)- one child, born October IDth, 
1736, named Rachel. 

Abraham, also a son of Jelh's, Sr., born July 17th, 1715, 
married, first, July 30th, 1746, Maria, daughter of Abrani 
Mebie ; secondly, February 22d, 1755, Sasanna, daughter of 
Alexander Glen ; and thirdly, November 22d, 1774, Rachel 
Vrooman, widow of Al)raham AVemp, Abraham Fonda 
lived in the house No. 27 Front street, built l)y himself, in 
1752, and now occupied by his great grandson, Nicholas 
Yates, Esq. He died February 13tli, 1805, aged nearly 90 
years. 

Rachel, his oldest child, born Se})tem])er 14th, 1748, mar- 
ried Jesse l)e Gratf. 

Rebecca, another daughter, born June 7th. 1757, married, 
first, Nicholas Yates ; secondly, Cornelius Van \'ranU(Mi. She 
died March 7th, 1846, aged 89 years. 

Jellis A. Fonda, a son of Abraham, born Octol)er 27th, 
1759, married Elizabeth, daughter of Christophel Yates. He 
held the commission of Lieutenant in Van Schaick's Regi- 
ment, which he resigned for a Captaincy in Colonel Willet's 
Independent Corps, under whom he served to the close of the 
Avar. He was for many years Clerk of Schenectady county, 
and died August 27th," 1834. 

Alexander Glen Fonda, his son, born August 17th, 1785, 
Avas a graduate of Union College, and for many years a phy- 
sician at Schenectady. He died aMarch 1th, 1869, aged 
nearly 84 years. 

ChristopJier, another son, a phy.siciiin, died at Clairborne, 
Alabama, August 26th, 1845. 

Jane Helen, a daughter of Jellis, born Maieh 1st, 1795, 



EARLY SETTLERS. 135 

man-ied Kev. NatlRin N. Whiting, and diod at Williams 
burgh, N. Y., April 30, 1852. 

Jacoh Glen Fonda, another son of Abraham, born August 
29th, 17(31, married April 4th, 1784, Aletta Wilkl, in Albany. 
He was admitted to [)ractice law in the Supreine Court as 
attorney, l)ut abandoned that [)r()tession soon after 1800, and 
removed to his farm in Glenville. He was for many years 
employed as Deputy Clerk of Schenectady county, and 
died on his farm in West Glenville, December 8th, 1859, aged 
98 years. His son, Elberi WiUet, born March 4th, 1794, 
and his daughter Susanna, born September 18th, 1796, are 
still living. 

Jacob, another son of JelUs, Sr., born February 11th, 1722, 
married, /?V6'^. April 29th, 1748, Mana, daughter of Nicholas 
Van Patten ; secondly, November 4th, 1758, Margaret Fort, 
widow of Peter Bosie. He died in 1813, aged about 91 
years. 

Rachel, his oldest child, born October 10th, 1748, married 
Philip Viele. 

Rebecca, another daughter, born December 26th, 1753, mar- 
ried Gerrit Van Antwerpen. 

Major Jellis J., the only son of Jacob, born January 13th, 
1751, married, Jirst, November 5th, 1774, 3faria Mynderse; 
secondly, Catrina, daughter of Heiidricus Veeder, in 1783. 
This was the heroic Jellis J. of the Revolution, one of the 
earliest, most stirring and unhesitating patriots of Schenectady. 
On the first report of a shot from Lexington, this young 
brave, who had already tasted military life, just married, 
and surrounded by the comforts of considerable wealth, 
immediately raised and commanded the company of Sche- 
nectady minute men, numbering more than 100. It is 
impossible, in a short notice like this, to follow him in his 
varied exploits. He was always ready for duty, and prompt 
at the post of danger. I will illustrate, l)y on(^ relation, the 
estimation in which his bravery was held. In 1777, when 
Sir John Johnson, with his Scotch retainers, had fortilBed 
themselves in " JoJinson JIall," Generals Schu^'hn-, Ten 
liroeek, and Herkimar. with a lariic hodv of militia, went 



136 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

there to reduce them. When, out of the whole uunil)ei-, 
General Schuyler selected Capt. Fonda, tVom his known fear- 
lessness of character, to connnand a forlorn hope of 200 men 
for the assault, of wdiich his coin})any of minute men formed 
one-half, the writer's father among them. The assailing 
forces were without cannon. But when this brave otiicer in 
the lead, under the eye and direction of the noble Schuyler, 
shouted on his colimiu to the assault, with undaunted dash 
(for Fonda was always in deadly earnest), Sir John imme- 
diately lowered his flag, and surrendered without tiring a gun. 
Fonda was ever afterwards called, wherever known, as one 
of the most fearless among men. I have seen the old patriot 
often, and sometimes listened to tales of the Revolution, lived 
over again, between the sterling old veteran and my father. 

Only a short time since, I visited his quiet grave, situated 
in his family cemetery in Glenville, less than a mile distant 
from my residence, and felt at that shrine a silent reverence — 
a halo of brave thoughts circling o'er me. 

Major Jellis J. died in 1839, aged about 88 years. His 
wife Oatrina died October 19th, 1828, aged nearly 74 years. 

His son Jacobs born March 22d, 1786, died in 1817, leaving 
a son, whom I can trace no further. 

Henri/ V. Fonda, another son, born August 20th, 1788, a 
graduate of Union College, and a successful legal practitioner 
at Schenectady, died March 1st, 1824, umnarried. 

Gerrit, also a son, born November 5th, 1790, was married, 
and had several children ; after his father's decease, he re- 
moved west. 

Christopher, his youngest son, ])orn August 28th, 1795, was 
a graduate of Union College, and was admitted to practice 
law. He died unmarried in the year 1832, while temporarily 
engaged in some business south, in or near Baltimore. 

IkUena, a daughter of Jellis, Sr., born April 22d, 1705, 
mairied Pieter Brower. 

Eva, another daugliler, l)orn ()c(ol)er KJth, 1707, married 
Joseph Yates. 

Sarah, also a daughter, born May 3d, 1713, married 
Jacol)Us Van Vorst. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 137 

I have been thus particular in oiitlininir the several branches 
of the Fonda family, because its blood extends Avidely 
through the Mohawk Valley, and its heroism and patriotism 
were distinguished in the French wars of our Province until 
the capture of Quebec, and })articularly in the mighty strug- 
gles of the Revolution, when no Fonda ever faltered ; and to 
note, too, that they Avere a family of extraordinary lono'evity. 

Johannes Quackenbos, son of Pieter, of Albany, l)orn in 
1662, married, October 20th, 1700, Anna, daughter of 
Johannes Clute, of Niskaj'una. 

Pieter, son of Jo/iannes Pieterse, married, N()venil)er 1st, 
1701, JSfeelfje, daughter of David Marinus. In 1773, he pur- 
chased lands of Edward Collins, on the Mohawk river, and 
removed into what is now Montgomery county. He died 
July 20th. 1748, and is the ancestor of the numerous Quack- 
enboses west of Schenectady. 

David, son of Peter, born June 21st, 1702, married. May 
11th, 1723, Annatje, daughter of Captain John Scott, of the 
British army. The patentee of lands, running from Auries 
creek to the Yates and Fonda line, near the present village 
of Fultonville, containing many thousand acres. According to 
tradition, David Quackenboss was a man of tine personal 
appearance, and, for the times, of marked intelligence. 

As showing the honest simplicity of those days, though I 
am not certain it was leap-year, I will give some account of 
the courtship, as given b}^ Sims in his History, at page 136, 
as follows : 

" A young officer, under the command of Captain Scott, 
requested young Quackenboss, then in the employ of the 
Captain, to speak a good word for him to Miss Ann, which 
he readily promised to do. While extolling the good quali- 
ties of her admirer, he took occasion to suggest his own par- 
tiality for herself. 

" The maiden, who had conceived an attachment for 
Quackenboss, instead of the young subaltern, shrewdly asked 
him why he did not make advances on his own account. He 
had not presumed on so advantageous a connection, but the 
hint was sufficient to secure his fortune and hap[)iness." 



138 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Johannes, also a son of John Pieferse, born Jmiuaiy 4th, 
1702, married, June 26th, 1731, Helena, dau^jhter of Fred- 
eriek Clute ; secondly, February 12th, 1755, Helen, danghter 
of Jacol) Van Olinda. He died in 1760. 

Frederick, son of Johannes, Jr., born December 21st, 1737, 
married, December 1st, 1768, Maria SiUerly. 

Francina, a. daughter of Johannes, Jr., Ijorn December 25th, 
1733, married Isaac Van Vranken. 

Bata, another daughter, born Octol)er 19th, 1735, married 
Claas De Gratf. 

Annotje, also a daughter, born July 24th, 1748, married 
Jeremiah De Graft'. 

Ahraliam, also a son of John Pete rse, born November 3d, 
1710, married, January 11th, 1740, i^ato, daughter of Pieter 
Ouderkirk, He died in 1761. Hk son, Johannes, born Feb- 
ruary 11th, 1750, died July 28th, 1839, aged 89 years ; and 
his diiughtev Matilda, born August 29th, 1761, married John 
Wood. 

Isaac, another son of John Peterse, born January 25th, 1713, 
married, October 27th, 1737, Rebecca, daughter of Dirk 
Groot. 

Annatje, his oldest child, born July 6th, 1738, mtirried 
Albert H. Vedder. 

Bata, another daugJder, born August 2d, 1747, married 
Frederick Bratt. 

Jolin., tlie only son of Isaac, born August 9th, 1750, mar- 
ried Elizabetli, daughter of Cornelius Groot, of Niskayuna. 
He lived at the junction of Lafayette and Liberty streets, 
where he owned a large section of land. He died July 28th, 
1839, aged 88 years, 11 months, 9 clays. His wife died 
May 11th, 1835, in her 79th year. Maria, his only surviving 
child, born March 18th, 1799, married Abraham Oothout 
Clute, Esq., still a living link of Schenectady's precedent 
days. 

G'erardus, another son of John Peterse, born March 11th, 
1721, married Elizabeth Van Vorst, April 25th, 1747. 

John G., son of the above, l)orn September 9th, 1759, mar- 
ried Annatje Shannon. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 139 

8arah, a danglder of Gerrit, born Febriiaiy 7th, 1762, 
married Richard Van Vranken, Jr. 

Matilda, anoihei' daughter, born Septcndjcr oOth, 17G4, 
married Peter Huyck. 

Rebecca, also a daugiiter, born August Gth, 17G9, married 
Andrew Hiiyck. 

Angelica, another daughter. b(n'n Decemljer 27th, 1771, 
married Joseph Carley, Febrnary l.st, 1789. The«e hist were 
tlie parents of the late Gerardns Q. Carley, one of onr dis- 
tinguished merchants. 

Thomas Davids came to Schenectady in 1700. On the 
14th of December, 1701, he married Catarina, daughter of 
Johannes Klein, and on the 14th day of May, 1731, his son, 
Ludovicus, married Maria, daughter of Peter Clement. 

Philip Bosie cixxwii to Schenectady in 1702, and September 
2d, 1704, nvAvv'iQil 3Iargarel Bratt. 

Peter, the son of Philip, born June 30th, 1722, married, 
June 10th, 1749, JSlargaretta, daughter of Nicholas Fort, of 
Niskayuna. 

Maria, a daughter, born March 24th, 1751, married Fraus 
Veeder. 

Gertruy. another daughter, born December 26th, 1753, mar- 
ried Jesse Peek. 

Caleb Beck settled at Schenectady in 1703. Some of his 
descendants became distinguished for talents and high litei'ary 
attainments, among the noblest sons of our State. He married 
Ann Harley, at New York, November 2d, 1703. Plis house 
and lot was on ^the southeast corner of Church and Union 
streets, where he kept a hotel, and, after his death in 1733, 
his wife, at the same point, continued the business, together 
with trade in groceries and dry-goods until her decease. 

Anna, his oldest daughter, born October 7th, 1704, married 
Jacobus Van Vorst. 

Elizabeth, another daughter, married John Fairly, who 
owned the lot on the east side of Church street, next south 
of his father-in-law's lot. 

Engel, also a daughter, born December 15th, 1715, married 
Isaac Abrani Truax. 



140 IIISTORr OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Margaret^ another daughter, married, in 1751, John W. 
Bj'owd, one of the first founders and a })roniinent member 
of the Episcopal Church in Schenectady. 

Caleb, the only .mrviving son of Caleb, Sr., born May 21th, 
1714, married, November 1st, 1747, ^feafie^/*, daughter of 
Abraham Truax. He was an attorne^^-at-hiw of considerable 
prominence, and died December 9th, 1787, aged nearly 74 
years. 

Anna, his oldest child, born October Gth, 1748, married 
Peter Yaii Guysling. 

Angelica, another danghter, born April 5th, 17(31, married 
Andrew Van Patten. 

Caleb, the only surviving son of Caleb, Jr., Ijorn October 
22d, 1758, studied law with his fathej-, but never practiced ; 
his fortune was comfortable and his tastes were literary. In 
1788, he was Principal of the Schenectady Academy, and died 
in October, 1798. His wife died August 23d, 1853. On the 
26th August, 1790, he married Catharine Theresa, the accom- 
plished daughter of the Rev. Dirk Pomeyn ; and in his short 
married life of nine years, he left surviving him the following 
named sons, who all became distinguished in the various 
departments of science, law and military aft'airs, but are now 
resting from their labors in death. This writer has seen 
their remarkable mother often, and was pleasantly acquainted 
with each of the sons. 

Theodorick Rorneyn, oldest son of the last Caleb, l)orn 
August 11th, 1791 ; died with a world-wide reputation as a 
man of science. My limits only permit me to point to 
" Beck's Medical Jurisprudence." * 

Abraham, the second son, born October 21st, 1792, after 
practicing law for some years in Schenectady, removed to St. 
Louis, Missom'i, and, rising high in his })rofession for so short 
a residence, died there in 1821. 

John Ih'odhead, the third son, born September 18th, 1794 ; 
died at New York in 1851. He Avas a distinguished physi- 
cian and professor in the New York Medical College. 

* This WHS the joint-wdi-k of Thcculoric Romeyn and John B., his brother. 
(See title page.) 



EARLY SETTLERS. 141 

Nicholas Fairly, the fourth son, born Xovember 7th, 1796 ; 
died Jnne 30th, 1830, in Albanj-. He was a hiwyer of 
excellent reputation, and was at the time of his death 
Adjutant-General of the State of New York, and had been 
since 1825, 

Caleb Lewis (conunonly written Lewis C), M. D., born 
October 4th, 1798 ; died in 1852. He was Professor of 
Chemistry and Natural History in Eutger'a College, New 
Jersey, and is the anthor of several literary writings, and 
l)articnlarly of a folio volume of the Mineralogy of IN^ew 
York. 

Jacobus Cromwell married, September 26th, 1703, Maria 
Pldlijise, and the same year settled at Schenectady. He was 
a tavern-kee]!)er, and, in 1711, pnrchased a house and lot in 
Front street of Wouter (Walter) Vrooman for £130. After 
his death, in 1717, his widow married David Lewis, who 
came to Schenectady in 1713, and was also an inn-kee[)er. 

Aer/Je, CromioelVs oldest daughter, born Jaiuiary 29th, 
1706, married John Antees (Entis). 

Lysheth, another daugJder, l)oni October 16, 1707, married 
Robert Carter. 

Stephen, a sou of Croinwell, born March 6th, 1709, mar- 
ried Cornelia, daughter of Arent Pootman. 

Jan PJiilipse, another son of Cromwell, l)orn January 21st, 

1711, married Agnietje, daughter of Harman Philipse. 
Isaac Van Valkenburgh, son of Joachim, of Albany, mar- 
ried May 12th, 1705, Lydia, daughter of Jacques Van 
Slyck. On the 6th of September, 1712, he received a con- 
veyance from Carel Hansen Toll of a lot on the south side of 
Union street, including the court-house lot, 100 feet front by 
210 feet deep, for the sum of fifty £50 — some evidence 
of the comparative value of real estate and money in those 
honest, early days. 

He left surviving him several children ; but all, except his 
son Isaac, seem to have removed to Albany county, and that 
portion of it now Columl)ia county. 

Isaac, the son of the above Isaac, born February 12th, 

1712, married. May 28th, 1737, Jannatje Clement, and had 



142 IIIJ^TOKY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

three (liiiighter.s. Lydia, born October 21st, 1737; AnncUte, 
born Aniiiist 8, 1739, and Eva, born October 4th, 1741. 

Peter Clement was a step-son of Bent (Benjamin) Roberts. 
In 1707, he and his l)rother Joseph received, under their step- 
father's will, each one-half of 76 acres of land at Maalwyck, 
including Bent's Island. In 1710. Peter sold his half of the 
farm to Cornelius Viele for =£445. On the 26th of Novem- 
))er, 1707, he married Anna Rujjting ; and secondli/, July 
28th, 1721, married Anna, daughter of Arent Vedder. 

Maria, a dauf/Jder by the first marriage, born in 1710, mar- 
ried Lndovicus Davids. 

SaraJi, a dauglder by the second marriage, l)orn July 26th, 
1724, married Nicholas Van Patten. 

Susanna, also a davg/der of tie second wife, born Septem- 
ber 30th, 1726, married Nicholas Sixberry. 

Johannes, a son of Peter, born September 24th, 1732, 
married, July 24th, 1760, Jannetie Bradt. 

Peter, a son. of John, born February 22d. 1761, marri(Ml 
Alida, daughter of Gerrit Veeder. They had sons, Gerrit, 
John, and Arent; and daughters, Janatje, Annatjeand INIaria. 

Joseph Clement, the brother of Peter, sold his one-half of 
the Maalwyck farm to Carel Hansen Toll for £400, jNIarch 
17th, 1712. lie married Anna, daughter of Jacobus Peek. 

Jacohns, ]m son, born November 23d, 1718, married, Feb- 
ruary 27th, 1747, Jannetj(> A'au Woert. 

Johannes, another son, born July 27th, 1723, marri(>d, 
December 30th, 1753, Rachel RudclitF, of Albany. 

Jjiulovicns Cobes, another son, born November 3()th, 1725, 
uiarried Catalyntje Pootman. 

Chias Gerrttse Van YranJcen <i\\\\\o, to the Pi'ovincc of New 
York at a very early date ; the precise time cannot now be 
determined. He had two sons, Gerrit and Rykert. 

Gerrit Class, the oldest son, married Ariantje Uldrick : and, 
as hi.> widow marricMl Geraldus Gamberfort (Comfort), Ot-to- 
])er 16th, 161t2, I reach the conclusion that lie did not live to 
a ver\' advanced age. lie left two sons and one daughter, 
Class, Uldric/,- iiud Maritje. He and his brother Ry keit. in 
company with Claas Jansen Van Boekhoven, purchased laud 



EARLY SETTLERS. 143 

in what is now the town of Clifton Park, llion known by the 
Indian name of " Canedigione,^ ^ applied to a considerable 
tract on l)oth sides of the Mohawk river, in 1672, for 550 skip- 
ple.s of wheat. There Gerrit Class resided nntil his decease. 

Chfis Gerrilse, oldest son of Gerrit Claas, Jr., l)orn in 1680, 
married, December oOth, 1704, Gertrmj Quavkenbuslt. He 
is the first Van Vranken that is found settled in Niskayuna 
on the south side of the Mohawk river, where he bought land 
of Johannes Clute, March 6th, 1709. 

Gerrit, son of the above named Gerrit Claas, born Octol)er 
3d, 1708, married, July 7th, 1738, Manjtje, daughter of 
Johannes Fort. 

Abraham, son of Gerrit, bf>rn July 6th, 1750, married 
Gertruij Gout. Had one child, Elizabeth, born August 2d, 1790. 

Rebecca, daughter of Gerrit, born April 4th, 1739, married 
tlohannes De Gratf. 

Johannes, another son of Gerrit, born October 25th, 1743, 
married, April 16th, 1776, Gertrude Van Vranl-<^n. 

Ariantje, his daughter, born August 19th, 1781, married 
Andrew Yates. 

Rebecca, another daughter, married John D. Fort. 

Gerrit, also a son of Gerrit, born May 7th, 1741, married, 
January 9th, 1771, Gcrtruy Visscher. He died November 
16th, 1785, leaving several children. 

Pieler, another son of Claas Garritse, l)orn Deceml)er 3d, 
1721, married, May 3d, 1748, Neeltje, daughter of Dirk 
Groot. He died in 1809, having had the following children : 

Nicholas, born August 3d, 1749. 

Gerrit, born April 2d, 1758. 

Cornelius, born July 6th, 1760. 

Dirk, born January 19th, 1762. 

His daughter, Elizabeth, married Eldert Tymesen, March 
5th, 1779.' 

Isaac, also a son of Cla.ss Ge7-it.se, born May 2l8t, 1726, 
married, February 1st, 1754, Claartje Bradt ; secondh/, he 
married, September 12tli, 1757, Francina, daughter of 
Johannes Quackenlxxss. 

Cla.ss, son of Isaac, born August 5th, 1759, married, Feb- 



144 HISTORY OF SCHEXECTADY COUXTY. 

riuiry 14th, 1785, Eachel Boom. lie died September 1839, 
aged nearly 80 years. Isaac, the sou of Chias, born July 
6th, 1789, married Maria Van Antwerp, and died August 
30th, 1858, aged 70 years. 

Jacob, another son of Glaas Gerritse, born June 22d, 1729. 
married, July 17th, 1758, Margar'da, daughter of Cornelius 
Pootman. 

Class, son of Jacob, born February 15th, 1761, married 
Eva, daughter of Cornelius Peek. He died July 20th, 1837, 
in his 77th year, and she died October 30th, 1837, in her 
77th year. Jacob, their son, born March 15th, 1784, died 
May 24th, 1861, aged 77 years, 2 mouths, 9 days. 

Abvahcmi, also a son of Chios Gerritse, married, November 
19th, 1742, Debora, daughter of Samuel Cregier. 

Claas, his son, born September 4th, 1743, married Gertrude 
Groot, and lived on his father's homestead farm, on the 
Consaul road. 

Arianlje, a daughter of Claas Gerritse, l)oru Octoljcr 30th, 
1710, married Pieter Clute. 

3iagteU, another daughter, born April 30th, 1712, married 
Fraus Bovie. 

Maria, also a daughter, born December 1st, 1723, married 
Johannes Ciaase Fort. 

Bgkert Ciaase, the second son of Claas Gen-itse, the first 
emigrant, married Hillegenda — —. He owned a house and 
lot in North Pearl street, Albany, which he sold in 1684 to 
Johannes Wendell. He and his brother Gerrit, in company 
with Viui Boekhoven, in 1672, purchased laud in what is 
now the town of Clifton Park, then known by the Indian 
name of " Canastigione,'' ap[)lied to a considerable tract of 
land lying on both sides of the Mohawk river, to which, 
after the sale of his real estate in Alban}^ he removed, and 
resided until his decease. He had four sons, Maas, Gerrit, 
Isaac, and Evari ; also one daughter, Margaret. 

Maas Ri/ckse, the oldest son of Rykert Classe. married 
Annatie, daughter of Adam Winne, of Alban\'. He lived on 
his farm in Clifton Park. His wife died in j\Iarch, 1778, aged 
nearly 91 years. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 145 

Richert, son of Maas liickertse, bora Octol)er 7tli, 1711, 
married, Octo])er 14th, 1738, Anna, daughter of Abnim 
Truax ; Mcma, his daughter, bora October 7th, 1744, mar- 
ried Isaac Ilosa. 

Adam, another son of Maas Rkl-ertse, born December 8th, 
1717, married, first, March 8th, 1744, Arianfje Clute ; 
secondly/, m 1785, Gertrny Van Vranhtn. They had several 
children, l)ut all belonged to Albany county. 

Maas, also a son of Maas liichertse, born November 11th, 
1722, married, April 15th, 1750, Ariantje, daughter of Lau- 
rens Van der Volgen. He died July 24th, 1787. 

Laurens, the oldest son of the last Maas, born September 
27th, 1751, married Engletie Veeder, and died April 1st, 1800, 
leaving a daughter, Harriet, born July 5th, 1772 ; died July 
25th, 1848, nnmarried, aged 76 years. 

3Iaas, the second son of Maas Richertse, and Ariantje Van 
der Volgen, born May 23d, 1756, married, August 11th, 1778, 
Sarah, daughter of Claas Marselis. He died July 1st, 1813, 
aged 57 years. She died April 1st, 1838. 

Ariantje, his daughter, born May 9th, 1779, married Rev. 
Herman Vedder, a graduate of Union College in 1799, licensed 
as a minister of the Reformed Church in 1801, and died in 
Gallatin, Columbia county, June 29th, 1873, aged 96 years, 
the oldest pastor of that denomination, full of pious labors, 
and through life greatly beloved. He had been in the active 
ministry 62 years. 

Helena, another daughter, born September 11th, 1782, 
married Daniel McDongall, M. D., in October, 1824, and 
had one son, Duncan McDongall, Esq., now an estimable citi- 
zen in our community. 

Nicholas, the only surviving son of Majis, born April 7th, 
1791, was a graduate of Union College, and a practicing phy- 
sician ; but disrelishing the profession, he became tirst a dis- 
tinguished teacher, and subsequently a much-esteemed mer- 
chant of Schenectady. He tilled many offices of trust, and 
married Jennet, daughter of William McClellan, M. D., of 
Albany. He died January 29th, 1864. Mrs. Richard Franchet 
is one of his children, and Mrs. John Hillhouse another. 
10 



14G HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Nicholas, the third son of 3Iaas Rikerise, born May 24th, 
1762, married, February 11th, 1787, Ruth Comslock. He 
studied for the Dutch Church ministry under the celebrated 
divines, Romeyn and Livino'ston, and was licensed in 1790. 
Filled the churches of Fishkill, Hopewell and New Hacken- 
sack from 1791 to 1804, when he died. As so eminent a son 
of Schenectady is entitled to some notice, I make short 
extracts from Corwin's "Manual of the Reformed Church in 
America," in a great measure derived from Kip's Historical 
Discourse at Fishkill : 

" He was a man of fine attainments, literary and theo- 
logical, a fervent and eloquent speaker, and a most devoted 
servant of God. He was possessed of strong affections, 
ardently attached to his charges ; no inducement prevailing 
with him to sever his connection with them. He declined 
calls from Albany and Schenectady. 

" The change of language from the Dutch to the English 
took place in his charges during his ministry. His knowl- 
edge of his people was so complete, and his tact so great, 
that when, according to the usual custom, the conununicants 
stood around the pulpit to receive the sacramental elements 
from the hands of their pastor, he adapted his remarks to the 
circumstances of each. His quick eye took in, in a moment, 
individual peculiarities, and he also spoke to them in Dutch 
or English, as they were best able to comprehend the one or 
the other. 

" Tradition represents him as a most faithful, devoted and 
dearly-beloved pastor. His personal appearance was very 
prepossessing; he was gentlemanly in his manners. His con- 
versational talent was finely developed, enabling him to make 
the best possible use of a large fund of chaste anecdotes, and 
reuderino- him a most ao-reeable and instructive associate to 
all classes. He never lowered his ministerial character, 
though he rightly enjoyed a jest. 

" His final sickness was very violent and rapid. Most of 
his people had not heard of it until on Sabbath, when, await- 
ing for his entrance, as usual, into church, the messenger 
brought tidings of his death." 



EARLY SETTLERS. 147 

This distinguished clergyman, who died at the age of 52, 
ill the full tide of ministerial usefulness, was the father of the 
Rev. Samuel Amasa Van Vranken, D. D., born April 25th, 
1788, a noble representative of his talented father ; grad- 
uated at the New Brunswick Seminary in 1817, and licensed 
the same year. He was settled at Middlctown and Freehold, 
N. J., from 1818 to 1834 ; at Poughkeepsie from 1834 to 
1837 ; in Broome Street Church, New York, from 1837 to 
1841 ; Professor of Didactic Theology in New Brunswick 
Seminary, and Professor of Evidences of Christian Religion 
in Rutgcr's College from 1841 to January'' 1st, 18G1, Avhen 
he died. 

As a Dutch Church elder, having, on church occasions, 
sometimes seen this admired son, and even corresponded and 
conversed with him, I cannot resist the temptation of extract- 
ing from his biographer's (Rev, Edward T. Corwin) state- 
ment a few lines to his worth and memory, in which I cor- 
dially concur : 

" No one ever met him and conversed with him for even 
a few moments, who did not feel at once that he was a highly 
intellio^ent, noble-minded, and oifted Christian o^entleman. 
His personal presence was imposing ; his voice rang out freelj', 
the grasp of his hand was animating ; his eye rested confi- 
dently on 3^ou, and when he spoke 3^ou saw plainly that he 
was a man of frank and open disposition, of large informa- 
tion, and possessed of such powers of intellect as would ren- 
der anything that he might have to say worthy of your 
attention. 

" He had many friends who fully appreciated his many 
noble qualities, and loved him sincerely. He retained them, 
too, when he had gained them, all the rest of his days. 'He 
never lost a fn'end.^ 

" The study of none of the professors was more resorted 
to, or rung more frequently with that spontaneous burst of 
laughter, which an anecdote, as he told it, was sure to call 
forth. There was no restraint felt even by young men in his 
presence ; but his cheerful, genial, generous temper encour- 
aged freedom and inspired their confidence. His numerous 



148 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

friends in the ministry loved to meet him und enjoy his snnny 
spirit, us it diftiised itself in the conlidence of social inter- 
course. His house was the home of his friends, whenever 
they chose to occupy it, and his table welcomed them as often 
as it was spread. 

" As a preacher, he had many qualities of excellence. His 
sermons were ingenious, earnest aud impressive ; in some 
parts imaginative, glowing, and grand. His large, sonorous 
voice ringing through a large church ; his majestic personal 
appearance, and the tones and accents in which he uttered 
some of the im})assioned parts, lei"t a trace upon memory 
Avhich was never elfaced. 

" He never made any special, pretentious disi)lay of schol- 
arship, not because he did not possess it, l)ut Ijecause he was 
above it. But it \vas unsafe for an oi)ponent to presume on 
his not having it, for he was sure of discomfiture." 

This remarka])le clergyman is the father of Harriet , 

wife of John McClellan Holmes, a highly distinguished cler- 
gyman of the lieformed Dutch Church. 

Gerrit, the second son of Rikertse Ohms, married, Septem- 
ber 27th, 1696, Barbara Jaiise, in Alban3^ He resided in 
what is now known as Clifton Park, and died January 10th, 
1748. His wife died December 20th, 1747. 

Ry chert, son of Gerrit Rychse, born December 12th, 1697, 
married, February 9th, 1723, Maria, daughter of DirkBradt. 
He died April 28th, 1746. 

Richard, son of RycJcert, born August 20th, 1734, mar- 
ried ili«r/a, daughter of Johannes Marselis, April 26th, 1760. 
He died September 11th, 1805. 

3Iaria, his daughter, born August 9th, 1775, married 
Gerrit Bensen. 

Sarah, also a daughter, born January 16th, 1766, married 
Rudolph Van Huysen. 

Richard, Jr., son of Richard, born August 17tli, 1763, mar- 
ried, July 21st, 1785, Sara, daughter of Gerardus Quack- 
enbos. 

Margaret, a daughter of Gerrit Ryckse, born April 1st, 
1705, married Johannes Bradt. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 149 

Ah'da, a daughter of Rychert, and son of Gerret Ryckse, 
born December 18th, 1723, married Johannes Pcarse. 

Maria, another daughter, born Angust 5th, 1725, married 
Ever Schermerhorn. 

Barbara, oho a daughter, born September 24th, 1727, mar- 
ried Peter P. Bogert, of All)any. 

Elizabeth, another daughter, born July 5th, 173(3, married 
Andries Triiax. 

Eveii Rychse, son of Rgchert Claase, married, November 
14th, 1709, in Al])any, Maritje, daughter of Bastiaan Vis- 
scher. He resided in Niskayuna, soutli of the Mohawk. 

Maria, Ids daughter, born Jannar}^ 29th, 1727, married, 
Noveml)er 24th, 1752, Cornelius Groot, 

Joseph Yates, an Englishman, the ancestor, came to Albany 
soon after the surrender of the province to the English, in 
1664, and resided there until his decease, May 20th, 1730. 
He left surviving him six children : Christofi'el, born April 
16th, 1684. Robert, November 4th, 1688. Sella, born May 
7th, 1693. Joseph, born March 17th, 1695. Sara, born 
March 6th, 1698. Abraham, born March 1st, 1704. 

Robert, son of the above Joseph, born November 4tli, 1688, 
settled at Schenectady in 1711, and on the 15th day of Feb- 
ruar}-, 1712, married Margaret, daughter of Claas De Graff. 
He was a merchant, and also had a tan-yard on Mill lane. 
He died March 4th, 1748, in his 60th year. 

Joseph, son of Robert, born July 12th, 1714, married, Sep- 
tember 5, 1737, Maria, daughter of John Dunbar. 

Robert, the oldest son of Joseph, born March 17th, 1738, 
married, in 1765, Jannetje Van Ness, in Albany, where he 
settled as an attorney-at-law ; where he became a member of 
the conunittee of safety, during our Revolutionary struggle 
for independence, and was a devoted patriot. He was a 
member ot the Convention that adopted the State Constitu- 
tion in 1777 ; was one of the first judges of the Supreme 
Court of this State, and eventually its Chief Justice. 

He was a member of the Federal Convention of 1787, and 
of the State Convention called to ratify the Federal Con- 
stitution. This highly distinguished sou of Schenectady 



150 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

died September 9th, 1801, aged 63 years, 5 months, 24 
days. He left surviving one daughter, Mana, married 
to James Fairlie, for many years Clerk of the Supreme Court 
of the State of New York, and in the Revohitionary War was 
an aide-de-camp to Baron Steuben ; and three sons, one of 
whom, John Van Ness Yates, was a talented lawyer, residing 
at Albany, and was Secretary of State for the State of New 
York from April 24th, 1818, to February 14th, 1826. He 
died January 10th, 1839. 

Nicholas, another son of Josej^h and 3Iaria Dunbar, born 
December 20th, 1752, miivned liebecca, daughter of Abraham 
Fonda. He lived at No. 5 Church street ; after his death, 
his widow married Cornelius Van Vranken. Nicholas left 
surviving him four sons, respectively nauied — Abraham 
Fonda, Robert N., Isaac,' Glen. and Joseph. 

Abraham, born February 7th, 1788, after his marriage, 
removed to Oswego county, and died there, leaving offspring. 

Robert N., l)orn November 11th, 1789. During the war 
of 1812, this young man was appointed Lieutenant in a Rifle 
Regiment of the United States Army, and stationed at Fort 
Erie, in Canada, when that fort was in possession of the 
Americans, under command of General Emund P. Gaines, 
who sent him out from the fort at the head of a reconnoiter- 
ing party, which was attacked by the enemy. In the skir- 
mish he repulsed the enemy, but at the sacritice of his owu 
life. His body was brought back to the fort, and forwarded 
to Schenectady for interment, where it is now deposited in 
the old Dutch Church burying-ground, sleeping with honor 
beside those of his patriotic ancestors. 

In the report of his death to the War Department, General 
Gahies regrets his loss, and gives him the character of a brave, 
promising, and excellent young officer. 

Isaac Glen Yates, born August 23d, 1793, married a 
daughter of Frederick Rees, of Glenville. He had several 
daughters and only one son, named Jacob, who removed to, 
and settled in Illinois. Isaac was accidentally killed in 
Michigan, by falling from a railroad car while on his way to 
visit that son. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 151 

Joseph Yates, the young son of Nicholas, is the father of 
our much-esteemed citizen, Nicholas A. Yates. 

John, also a son of Joseph and Maria Dunbar, born Juue 
12th, 17(30, married Margaret, daughter of Jellis Fonda, of 
Caughnavvaga. He was the second Surrogate of Schenectady, 
and held the office for many years until his decease in 1826. 

Joseph, his oldest son, born October 4th, 1786, died June 
12th, 1837, unmarried. 

Giles Fonda, also a son, l)orn November 8th, 1798, is now 
deceased, unmarried. He was an attorney-at-law, and an 
accomplished antiquarian. He succeeded his father in the 
office of Surrogate, and held it for twenty years. 

Jane, a daughter of John, born in 1794, married Giles 
Yates, Esq., and died July 20th, 1848. 

Maria Matilda, also a daughter, born June 27th, 1805, 
married John J. Yates, Esq., who died December 3d, 1851. 
This is the mother of Mrs. Austin A. Yates. 

Elizabeth, a daughter of Robert, tlie first Yates, who settled at 
Schenectady, born Januar}^ 7th, 1716, married Ephraim Smith. 

Maria, another daughter, born January 25th, 1718, married 
Gerrit Van Antwerpen. 

Sarah, also a daughter, born August 19th, 1721, married 
Jacobus Mynderse. 

Joseph, the goxindson of Joseph the ancestor, and son of 
Christoffel (Christopher), of Albany, married, January 17th, 
1730, Eva, daughter of Jellis Fonda, and settled in Schenec- 
tady in 1734. 

Christopher, his oldest son, born July 8th, 1737, conunonly 
called Col. Christopher, married, October 16th, 1761, Ja)i- 
netje, daughter of Andries Bradt. He was a surveyor by 
profession ; served as a captain under Sir Wm. Johnson and 
was woimded ; was colonel of a i-egiment of fatigue men in 
the Revolution, and one of the best informed and efficient 
patriots in the Mohawk Valley. (Sim's History). Hedied in 
1785. 

Joseph, his eldest son, born November 9th, 1768, married, 
first, September 30th, 1791, Ann, ^vidow oii James EUice ; 
secondly, Maria, daughter of John Kane, of Schenectady, and 



152 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

tJdrdh/, EUzdhetli De Lancey, daughter of John De Lanccy, 
E.-5(]., of Westchester coiuity. He was originally an attorney- 
at-law of extensive practice ; was the tirst Mayor of Sche- 
nectady, a State Senator in 1807, Judge of the Supreme 
Court in 1808, Governor of the State in 1823-24, and died 
March 19th, 1837, full of honors, and with a distinguished, 
reputation for industry and integrit3^ He had three children — 
daughters. 

Helen Maria, the eldest, born September 28th, 1797. mar- 
ried Colonel John K. Paige, and died January 25th, 1829, 
before the decease of her father. 

Anna Alida, another daughter, born September 14th, 1806, 
married John D. Watkins, a citizen of Georgia. 

Jane Josejjha, also a daughter, born November 6th, 1811, 
married Samuel Niel of New York. 

Henri/, also a son of Col. C/n'i'siopher, born Octol)er 7th, 
1770, married CatJKmne, daughter of Johannes Mynderse, 
October 24th, 1791. He was an attorney-at-law, for several 
terms a State Senator, and at one thne a member of the 
Council of Appointment ; a man of excellent business quali- 
fications and' habits. He died in Albany. March 20th, 1854, 
at the advanced age of 83 years. Mrs. Yates died in New 
York, Septend)er 28th, 1841, aged 69 years. 

Henry Chrislajjlter, his oldest son, born June 13th, 1799, 
graduated at Union College in 1818, and died May 12th, 
1847, unmarried. 

Edward, anotJier son, born Octo1)er 21st, 1801, graduated 
at Union College in 1819, and died in 1833. 

Stephen, also a son, born July 12th, 1805, graduated at 
Union College in 1825, and died June 1st, 1875. 

Charles, another son, born ]\larch 1st, 1808, graduated at 
Union College in 1829, and died September 26tli, 1870. 

Mary, a daughter, born August 17th, 1795 ; and Jane Anne ^ 
another daughter, born February 29th, 1816, married Edward 
Satterlee, of Albany. Both daughters are now deceased. 

Andrew, another son of Col. Christopher, born January 17tli, 
1773, married, jfiV.si, Mary Austin; secondly, Hannah A. 
lIo(ker,who died October 22d, 1859, aged 76 years. Doctor 



EARLY SETTLERS. 153 

Yates was a man of much study and literary attainments. 
He was a minister of the Reformed Dutch Church, esteemed 
as possessed of eminent piet}", as a true friend of feeble 
churches and their organization. Without great sensational 
eloquence, he was a sound divine, and often preached with 
great power ; while teaching he was also always engaged, 
more or less, in })reaching the gospel. H(; graduated from 
Yale College in 1793. Studied theology under John H. 
Livingston, D. D., S. T. Professor. 

Was Professor of Latin and Greek in Union College, from 
1797 to 1801 ; Pastor East Hartford Congregational, from 
1801 to 1814; Professor of Mental and Moral Phih)Sophy, 
in Union College, from 1814 to 1825, and Princii)al of the 
Polytechnic at Chittenango, from 1825 to 1836. He died at 
Day, Saratoga county, while on a visit to his sister, Miss 
Yates, October 14th, 1844, in his 73d year. 

John Austin Yates^ a son by his first marriage, l)orn May 
31st, 1801, graduated at Union College in 1821. He was 
Professor of Oriental Literature in that institution from 1823 
to the time of his decease, August 27th, 1849, and mucli dis- 
tinguished for genial qualities and ready eloquence. It is by 
me deemed a tribute to his memory to briefly say, he was 
the father of John B. Yates, Esq., a civil engineer of high 
standing, now residing in the city of New York; of Hon. 
Austin A. Yates, an attorncy-at-law, now County Judge of 
the county of Schenectady, and of Arthur P. Yates, a gal- 
lant otEcer, and now commander in the naval service of the 
United States. 

Professor Andrew Yates had a son by his first marriage, 
named Andrew J., w^ho graduated at Union College in 1822, 
and died August 8th, 1856 ; also several children \)y his 
second marriage, but my prescribed limits prevent furtlun- 
notice. 

John B., another son of Colonel C J cr is fopher, and his young- 
est child, born Eebruary 1st, 1784. Space will not permit 
me to do justice to the merits of this eminently enterprising, 
generous, and distinguished son of Schenectady, so 1 shall 
attempt only an outline. 



154 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

In 1802, at the early age of eighteen years, he graduated 
at Union College, with much honor, and immediately there- 
after entered the law office of his brother, Hon. Henry Yates, 
as a law student. In 1805 he was admitted to the bar, and 
during the seven following 3'ears applied himself with great 
industry to the labors of that profession, and acquired much 
I'eputation as an ingenious and forcible advocate. But a short 
time previous to the war of 1812, inheriting the patriotic 
spirit of his father, he was commissioned a Captain l)y Gov- 
ernor Tompkins, and raised a large volunteer com})any of 
horse artillery. With this company he joined the army of 
General Wade Hampton, and served under him on the north- 
ern frontier of this State, in the campaign of 1813. After 
the discharge of his company from service under Hampton, 
Governor Tompkins appointed him one of his aids-de-camp, 
and sent him to the Niagara frontier with orders to call out 
the militia for the relief of General Brown and his army, then 
closely besieged in Fort Erie by a superior force. At the 
expiration of his military service, he was elected a member 
of the Fourteenth United States Congress from the thirteenth 
(Schenectady and Schoharie) district, for the years 1815-16, 
in which he took a prominent and active part, much distin- 
guished for ability and iirnmess. After the close of his con- 
oTcssional term, he removed to Utica, where he resumed the 
duties of his legal profession, lint soon changed his home to 
Chittenango. Governor Tompkins, on retiring from office, 
in 1817, to assume the duties of Vice-President of the United 
States, on account of his confidence in Mr. Yates' integrity 
and ability, appointed him sole manager of the "Literature 
Lotteries " of the State of New York. In consequence of 
the acceptance of this trust, he removed to the city of New 
York, and did not resume his residence in Chittenango until 
1825 ; but during his residence at New York, he frecpiently 
visited Chittenango to examine and direct the conduct of 
those in charge of his large estate there, which consisted of 
about 2,000 acres of laud, with flour mills, saw-mills, oil 
mills, lime and plaster-mills, woolen factory, stores, dry dock 
and yards for building and repairing boats, Polt/iec/mic /School, 



EARLY SETTLERS. 155 

and various residences and other buildings. At times as 
many as 150 men were in his employ. 

The result of his management of the lotteries was that he 
Ijrought them to a successful termination before the expira- 
tion of the time limited by the Legislature. 

He also became deeply interested in the commercial 
importance of the Welland canal, when its stockholders were 
nearly sinking for want of funds, and by an investment 
of $137,000, and his great personal influence and exertions, 
in his native State and in England, carried it into successful 
operation. 

Mr. Yates was a man of large and liberal views, and of 
great public spirit ; an early and devoted friend of the Erie 
canal, and of all schemes devoted to civilization and public 
progress. He was for many ye-ars Judge, and first Judge 
of the county of Madison, which last oflice and that of mem- 
ber of Assembly he held at the time of his decease. 

Mr. Yates was three times married, but left no issue sur- 
viving him. He died at his residence in Chittenango, on the 
10th day of July, 1836, aged 52 years. His death was felt 
as a great public calamity, and every incident connected 
with his sickness (which was brief), was published at every 
issue of the press of the county ; and, when his death was 
announced, a large proportion of the newspapers of the 
county were draped in mourning ; for a great and good man 
had fallen. 

In WahiHl Grove Cemetery, south of Chittenango village, 
can l)e seen the monument erected to his memory — carved 
upon the stone is the noble face of one whose immerous good 
deeds are inscribed in the enduring marble. 

In the Reformed Church, at Chittenango, there is also 
placed a neat tablet, which has the following inscription : 

SacrcU 

TO THE MEMORY OF HON. JOHN B. YATES, 

Who Died July 10th, 1836. 

"He was eminently possessed of the characteristics of a great and good 
man, ever distinguished for his philanthropy and benevolence." 



156 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

These diitii are mostly derived from Mrs. Hammond's 
History of Madison County, and from General Wm. K. 
Fuller, of Schenectady, the life-long and intimate friend of 
Mr. Yates ; but are also well known to the writer, who has 
long admired Hon. John B. Yates as one of the most dis- 
tinguished sons of Schenectady, and in a notice of him could 
not justly write less. 

Elizabeth, a daughter of Col. Christopher, born May 7th, 
17(53, married Jellis A. Fonda. 

Em, another daughter, born January loth, 1764, married 
Wm. Johnson Butler, of Niagara. 

Helena, also a daughter, born November 16th, 1766, mar- 
ried Col. McDonald, an officer of the British army stationed 
in Canada. 

Anna, also a daughter, born March 12th, 1773, died April 
17th, 1850, aged 76 years, and unmarried. 

Jellis, another son of Joseph Yates and Eva Fonda, born 
April 22d, 1744, married, March 16th, 1768, Ariantje, 
daughter of Andries Bradt. He died in Glenville, Novem- 
ber l3th, 1812, in his 69th year. 

Joseph, his oldest son, born August 7th, 1768, married, 
December 14th, 1788, Annatie, daughter of Isaac lioosa. 
He died in Glenville, September 13th, 1838, in his 71st 
year. 

Isaac J. Yates, his oldest son, born in Glenville, February 
22(1, 1797 • long a resident of the city of Schenectady ; the 
holder of several offices of important trust in this connnunity, 
;uid a Brigadier-General of Militia, died on his farm in 
Greentield, Saratoga county, September 13th, 1848, aged 
51 years. This was the father of j\Irs. James Fuller, and of 
the late mayor, Peter B. Yates. 

Giles, a)iother son of Joseph, born May 6th, 1801; died 
April nth, 1853, in his 52d year. 

John J., also a son, born March oth, 1803, for many years 
an entcr[)rising citizen of this connnunity, and for several 
years j)ostmaster at Schenectady, died December 3d, 1851, 
aged 48 years. This was thc^ father of Mrs. Austen A. 
Yates and Mrs. Alex. J. Thomson. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 157 

Andrew J., another son of Josej)h, ])()rn N<)veiiil)ei- 25th, 
180(j, belonged to the Class of 1834, ut Union College, 
and died October — , 1873, at his conntiy seat near Fulton- 
ville, Montgomery county, leaving no issue, aged 65 years, 

Andrew, another son of JelHs, born July 14th, 1782 ; died 
in Glenville, August 25th, 1846, in his 6ith year. Harriet, 
his wife, died September 4th, 1850, in her 70th year. 

Elizabeth, a daughter of JeUis, born July 29th, 1770, 
married ]Myndert A. Wemple. 

Catharine, another daughter, born November 17th, 1776, 
mai-ried Robert Gaily. 

Mdert Tyniensen, son of Cornelius Tjmensen, of Albany, 
l)orn December 13th, 1691, married, November 7th, 1709, 
Hester, daughter of Bastian Visscher. He soon afterwards 
settled in Niskayuna. 

Bastian, son of Eldert, born February 1st, 1718, married, 
July 7th, 1743, Mayke Oudei-kirk. 

Eldert, his son, born September 2d, 1750, married, Decem- 
ber 10th, 1774, Catalyntje, daughter of Jan Baptist Van Eps. 

Bastian, his son, died in New York, March 24th, 1825, in 
his 50th year. 

Peter Tymensen, son of the second Cornelius, of Albany, 
l)orn June 26th, 1748, married, June 21st, 1771, Gertnuj, 
daughter of Martiuus Cregier. Cornelius, their son, was 
born March 12th, 1772. 

Eldert, another son of the second Cornelius, of Albany, 
born October 14th, 1753, married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Pieter Van Vranken. 

Cornelius, his oldest son, born April 7th, 1782, married 
Elizabeth Clute. He died January 4th, 1842 ; his wife died 
August 3d, 1844. 

Peter, another son of Eldert, born November 16th, 1789, 
married Maria, a daughter of Cornelius Van Vranken, of 
Niskayuna. He died September 16th, 1861, leaving four 
sous and one daughter. Jane, the daughter, married Thomas 
Shannon, of Schenectady. 

Abraham Lighthall came to Schenectady in 1719; soon 
afterwards he uiarried Anna, daughter of Class Van der 



158 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Bogart. Williuin, his oldest son, born Fe])ruary 3(1, 1722, 
married, Noveml)er 20th, 1748, ^/eVftie^/^, daughter of Johan- 
nes Marselis. 

Abraham, son of William, married Annatje, daughter of 
Class Fraiis Van der Bogart ; he left several children surviv- 
ing him. 

Claas, another son of AbraJtam, born March 7th, 1724, 
married, January 14th, 1749, Margaret Idich. 

Jacobus, his oldest son, born May 14th, 1758, married 
Charity Page. He Avas sexton of the Dutch Church from 
1799 to the time of his death, April 22d, 1829, aged 71 
years. He left surviving him two sons, Nicholas and Wil- 
liam, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Maria. 

William, another son of Claas, manied Sarah, daughter of 
Ahasueras Marselis. He died October 5th, 1822. He held 
the commission of Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution, 
and was highl^^ distinguished for his bravery in the battle of 
Bennington, under General Stark. Besides Ahasueras, he 
had an older son, Nicholas, who died unmarried before his 
father's decease. 

Ahasueras, his son, l)orn March 12th, 1799, married, Sep- 
tember 10th, 1820, Margaret Peek. 

Lancaster, also a son of Claas, born May 10th, 1761, mar- 
ried Hester Kittle, and had three sons, Nicholas, Don we, and 
Abraham ; also one daughter, Anneke. 

Jacobus, also a son of AbraJiam, born January 3d, 1726, 
married ^'r6'^, Margaret, daughter of Pierre Benoit ; secondly, 
Sara, daughter of Johannes Van Vorst, November 12th, 
1752. HcT died July 19th, 1791. She died March 14th, 
1807. 

JoJin, a son of Jacobus, born February 18th, 1759, married 
Annatje, daughter of Cornelius Van Slyck, April 23d, 1793. 
He died in Glenville, August 4th, 1835, aged 78 years. 

JSficholas, another son of Jacobus, born May 19th, 1767, 
married Elizabeth Wageman. For man^^ years he w^as ferry- 
man on the Glenville side of the Mohawk river, near the 
present jNIohawk bridge, rei)resenting the interest of John 
Sanders, deceased. While a ferryman on the oi)i)osite shore, he 



EARLY SETTLERS. 159 

represented the interests of Hon. Joseph C. Yates unci John 
Baptist Van Eps, Esq, After the Ijridge was completed in 
1809, he kept an inn on AVater street, near the bank of the 
Main Binnekill. He died January 27th, 1838, in his 88th year. 
She died October 20th, 1836, in her 87th year. They left 
two sons, NichoUis and WiUiam ; also two daughters, Mar- 
garet and Elizabeth. 

John, also a son of James, l)orn February 12, 1755, married, 
April 23d, 1793, Annatje, daughter of CorneHus Van Sij^ck. 
He died in Glenville, August 4th, 1835, aged 78 years. 

8t. John Steers came as a soldier to Schenectady in 1720. 
He soon after married Catharine McGregor. He had the 
grant of a lot of land in Green street, near the fort, in 1756. 

John, a son of St. John Steers, hovw October 15th, 1732, 
married, November 3d, 1759, Clara, daughter of Peter Van 
Slyck. He inherited the Green street lot from his father, 
which descended to his son Cornelius, and was possessed by him 
until his death in 1863, at the age of ^(^ years. John Steers 
died February 12th, 1811. Gertruy, a daughter of John, 
born August 16th, 1767, married John Lambert, the noted 
schoolmaster. 

Samuel, also a son of St. John, died at an advanced age, 
unmarried. 

Johannes Fairly, July 2d, 1724. married, first, Meije, 
daughter of Jan Pieterse Meibe ; and secondly, a daughter of 
Caleb Beck. In 1776, he owned a lot on the east side of 
Church street, south of Union street, adjoining his father-in- 
law, Beck's lot being the premises now owned and occupied 
by Mrs. Volney Freeman. 

JoJin, the son of Johannes, born in 1730, married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Simon Toll. 

Hester, his daughter, born December 18th, 1757, married 
Hendrick Van Patten. 

Annatje, another daughter, born August 21st, 1760, mar- 
ried Nicholas S. Van Patten. 

Maria, also a daughter, married Benjamin Young. 

Alida, another daughter, born February 17th, 1765, mar- 
ried Frederick S. Van Patten. 



160 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Margaret, also a daughter, born September 2d, 1766, mar- 
ried Samuel Clement. 

EngelLie, a dauglitcr of Johannes, Sr., born May 25th, 
1726, married Philip Truax. 

Pieter Feeling married, June 12th, 1724, Eva, daughter 
of Cornelius Viele. He was then the schoolmaster of Sche- 
nectady, and owned a house and lot on the north side 
of State street, about midway between Ferry and Church 
streets. 

William, a son of Pieter, born August 13th, 1736, married, 
December 3d, 1762, Jannetje, daughter of Johannes Van 
Vranken, of Niskayuna. 

Annatje, his daughter, horn May 22d, 1763. married Dirk 
Van Vranken. 

Eva, also a daughter, born jNIay 19th, 1765, married Jona- 
than Powell. 

Cornelius, also a son of Pieter, born A})ril 29th, 1739, mar- 
ried Susannah Teed. 

Keziah, a daughter of Cornelhis, l)orn Septcmljer 28th, 
1787, married Jon Clark, of Niska3'Una. She died January 
16th, 1867. 

Elizahetli, a daughter of Pieter, born April 24th, 1727, 
married Joseph Flansburgh. 

Anna, also a daughter, born Noveml)er 28th, 1731, mar- 
ried Peter Warmoet. 

Catharine, another daughter, l)orn January 26th, 1734, 
married Arent Smith. 

Jannetje, also a daughter, born February 24lh, 1746, mar- 
ried Jacobus Van Guysling. 

William Bancker, son of Evert, of Albany, born October 
28th, 1699, married, December 17th, 1726, Annatje, daugh- 
ter of Gerrit Symonse Veeder, and settled in Schenectady. 

Elizabeth, a daughter of AVilliam, born July 16th, 1732, 
married Ilendricus Peek. 

CatJia7ine, also a daughter of William, born Octol)er 6Ui, 
1734, married Jacobus Van Aearnam. 

Neeltje, another daughter, born December 21st, 1737, mar- 
ried Albert A. Vedder. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 161 

Annatje, also a djuighter, born August 16th, 1740, married 
Arent S. Vedder. 

John Bancker, another son of Evert, born March 15th, 1710, 
married Magdalena, daughter of Gerrit Symonse Veeder. 

Gerrit, a son of John, born February 27th, 1737, married, 
Septemljer 15th, 1755, Ilesther, daughter of Jan Van Aear- 
nam, of Albany. 

John, son of Gerrit, born December 25th, 1764. married 
Annatje, daughter of Peter Ouderkirk, March 15th, 1788. 

Gerrit, his oldest son, born March 26th, 1789, removed to 
Canada. 

Peter, also a son, born January 18th, 1794 ; and John, 
another son, born August 17th, 1796 ; and Isaac, also a son, 
born April, 1802, are all now deceased, each leaving issue 
surviving him. 

William Peters came to Schenectady in the early part of 
1725. On the 25th day of November, in that year, he mar- 
ried Sophia, daughter of Harmanus Vedder ; and secondly, on 
the 27th November, 1742, miwnedi Helena, daughter of Jan 
Baptist Van Eps. 

Harmanus, son of William, born November 5th, 1732, 
married November 4th, 1761, Margaret, daughter of Jaco- 
bus Peek. 

Harmamis, his oldest son, born May 24th, 1764, married 
Maiia liychman. 

William, another son, born May 29th, 1774, married, Sep- 
tember 5th, 1795, Catharine, daughter of Christopher Felt- 
huysen. 

Sophia, a daughter of Harmanus, Sr., born December 5th, 
1765, married Nathan Clark. 

Ilargaret, also a daughter, born June 20th, 1768, married 
Dirk Van Vranken. 

Lydia, another daughter, born April 14th, 1780, married 
Jan Baptist Van Patten. 

Anna, a daughter of William, the ancestor, born October 
9th, 1743, married Andrew McFarlane. 

Sophia, another daughter, born September 28th, 1745, 
married Hugh McMichael. 
11 



162 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

EUas Post, son of Cornelius, of New York, boru Jaiuiaiy 
7th, 1708, came to Schenectady m 1729. He was a gunsmith ; 
and November 7th, 1730, mariied Maria, daughter of Jan 
Baptist Van Eps. In 1760, he owned a house and lot on 
the south side ot" State street, which, in 1775, belonged to 
Hugh Mitchell, the grandfather of Thomas B. Mitchell, Esq., 
deceased. 

John, his son, lK)rn January 1st, 1741), married Margaret 
Bellinger, and removed from Schenectady to Fort Schuyler 
(now Utica), and became one of the first and most prominent 
merchants of that place. 

Catalina, his daughter, born June 3d, 1733, married, April 
18th, 1756, Zeger, son of Domine Van Santvoord, minister 
of the Dutch Church, of Schenectady. 

Adam Oonde was high constable of Albany in 1724; from 
thence removed to Schenectady, and November 30th, 1736, 
married Catharine, daughter of Jesse De Graft'. Ho was 
killed at the Buechendal mna^'AcvQ, July 18th, 1748, and left 
surviving him two sons. 

Jesse, the oldest son, born March 13th, 1743, on the 8th of 
July, 1762, married Parthenia, daughter of Jonathan Ogden, 
and removed to what is now the town of Charlton, Saratoga 
county. He left surviving him the following children : 

Alida, born January 16th, 1763, mai-ried James Boyd, 
once a member of Assembly for Schenectady county, and a 
prominent politician and citizen of Glenville. 

Jonathan, a son, Ijorn December 14th, 1766. This was the 
father of Wihnert, subsequently Mrs. Carpenter, a widow, well 
known to our citizens. The father died in Charlton, March 
3d, 1843. 

Albert, also a son, born June 9th, 1771, married Esther, 
daughter of Daniel Toll. 

Isaac, another son, born August 21st, 1785. 

Jesse, also a son, l)orn September 4th, 1791, Avith all of 
whom the writer had personal acquaintance, and all are now 
deceased. 

Adam, the other son of Adam, Sr., was l)()rn September 
25th, 1748, and married, July 1st, 1770, Catah/ntje, daughter 



EARLY SETTLERS. 163 

of Peter Truax, and a grand-daughter of Domiiie Cornelius 
Van Santvoord, In 1770, he lived on the west corner of 
Church and Front streets, on the property, or a portion of 
it, now belonging to the estate of Jeremiah Fuller, deceased. 
lie served during the Revolutionary War under the gallant 
Captain Jellis J. Fonda. He died in Glenville, 22d Sep- 
tember, 1824, aged 76 years. His widow died April 15th, 
1843, in her 93d year. 

Peiei\ son of Adam^ Jr., born July 25th, 1773, married, 
December 24th, 1796, Clam, daughter of Philip Van Patien. 
He died in Charlton, May 17th, 1843, leaving several chil- 
dren surviving him. 

OaUiarina, a daughter of Adam, Jr., born Octolier 3d, 
1775, married Charles Taylor. 

JEva, another daughter, born March 26th, 1780, married 
Simon J. Van Patten. 

Cornelius Santvoord Conde, another son of Adam, Jr., born 
September 29th, 1782, married, July 13th, 1805, Sarah, 
daughter of Abraham Truax. He resided in Glenville ; was 
for several years one of the Judges of the Court of Common 
Pleas of the county of Schenectady, and subsequently, for a 
long term, Justice of Sessions. He was much esteemed by 
all ^vho knew him as a man of strict integrity, sound judg- 
ment, and elevated Christian character. He died May 13th, 
1869, in his 87th year. This worthy couple had lived together 
in married life nearly 64 years ; and, what seems to me unpre- 
cedented, had in that time thirteen children, all sons, never 
being blessed with a daughter ; all of whom arrived at 
mature age except one son, Andreio S., who died in 1837, 
aged about 15 years. This case seems so remarkable, I deem 
it proper to insert the names and date of birth of each, as 
the family have so largely contributed to the population and 
prosperity of the United States, and some of its memljers 
are now to be foiuid settled in various parts of this great 
Union : 

John 1\, born January 17th, 1807. 

Adam C, born March 7th, 1809. 

Abram T., born December 20th, 1810. 



164 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Peter C, born December 2(1, 1812. 

Oornelius B.^ born December 27th, 1814. 

Isaac H., born November 17th, 1816. 

8imon V. P., born November 17th, 1818. 

Plait S., born Augnst 20th, 1820. 

Andreiv S., born August 18th, 1822; died July 5th, 1837. 

Joseph iS., born July 31st, 1824. 

Geoiye 31., born November 6th, 1826. 

Benjamin L., born November 7th, 1828, 

Alonzo B., born November 6th, 1832. 

Jan Delamont, son of Jacob, of Allan i/, born July 30th, 
1684, married, frst, Johannes Clara Kleijn, of Albiiny, May 
4th, 1707 ; and secondly, Eva, daughter of Hendrick Brower, 
of Schenectady. 

In 1710, he was high constal)le in All)any. It is not 
precisely known at what time he removed to Schenectady, 
but we find that, in 1735, he was ''Voorlezer^'' (chorister, 
etc.), to the Dutch Church there. 

Jacob, his oldest son, born July 7th, 1723, was murdered 
by the French and Indians at Stillwater, Octoljer 24th, 1746. 

Abraham, another son of Jan, born July 25th, 1730, mar- 
ried, ^rs<, December 4th, 1766, Annatje, daughter of Alexan- 
der Vedder ; secondbj, June 30th, 1782, Volkie Wemp. 

Jacob, son of Abraham, born December 30th, 1768, mar- 
ried, April 5th, 1789, Debora, daughter of Johannes Bratt. 
They had but one child, Annatje. 

Johannes, another son of Abraham, born February 25th, 
1774, married, November 23d, 1799, Rebecca De Graff. 
They left surviving them several sons and daughters. 

Hendrich, a son, the youngest child of Jan, born October 
24th, 1745, married Elizabeth Van Dyck. He owned the lot 
on Union street, where the court-house now stands, beginning 
100 feet west, Amsterdam measure, from Ferry street. From 
him the Supervisor's of the comity of Schenectadj' and the 
Common Council of the city derived their title. He died in 
1820, aged 75 years, leaving no issue surviving him. 

Maria, a daughter of Jan, Ijorn May 9th, 1725, married 
Abraham Christiance. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 165 

Cathcmna, another daughter of Jan, born May 6th, 1748, 
married Henriciis Volckertsee Veeder. 

Elizabeth, also a daughter, born Deceml)er 16th, 1732, 
married Jacobus Bratt. 

Mnrgaretia, another daugliter, born January 26th, 1735, 
married Abraham Swits. 

Jannetje, also a daughter, born February 26th, 1737, mar- 
vied Johannes Teller. 

Amia/Je, another daughter, l)orn ^Nlay 4th, 1739, married 
Christotlel Felthousen. 

JSva, also a daughter, born Xovemljer 10th, 1741, married 
Claas Vedder. 

John Dunbar was born in Alban}^, August 31st, 1670. 
He married, j^'rs^, Bata Winne ; and second!//, Maria, daugh- 
ter of Johannes Van Hoesen, April 1st, 1124: ] both wives 
were of Albany. He was in Albany a vintner or hotel- 
keei)er, and an important friend of the early Episcopal 
Church of that place. In 1714, he was associated with Rev. 
Thomas Barclay and Colonel Peter Mathews, in building the 
Episcopal Church there. In 1730, he removed to Schenec- 
tady, where he resided on his property, being the east corner 
of Church and Front streets. Mr. Dunbar died in Scheuec- 
tad}'. May 7th, 1736, aged QQ years. He left surviving 
him three sons, Robert, John, and Alexander ; also three 
daughters, Mary, Catharine and Willempie. All the sons, 
and his daughter Catharine, settled at Albanj^, where they 
have respectively many descendants. His daughter Mary, 
married, September 5th, 1737, Joseph R. Yates, and Avas the 
mother of Robert Yates, once Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Court of the State of New York ; of John Yates, Nicholas 
and Abraham Yates ; and of several daughters, who married 
prominent citizens of Schenectady. She inherited from her 
father his house and lot, corner of Church and Front streets. 

Willempie, his youngest daughter, married, November 29th, 
1736, Abraham Groot. She inherited from- her father a 
large parcel of ground on the west corner of Union and Canal 
streets. 

Johannes Heernsiraat, son of Dirk Takelse, of Albanv, mar- 



166 IIISTOEY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Vied, Jjisf, Bafa, daughter of Johannes Quackenljos, February 
8th, 1730, and came to Schenectady about that time. Sec- 
ondlij, he married, March 3d, 1750, Gertruij Bosie, widow 
of John Marimis. 

Johannes, Ids son, born November 19tli, 1732, married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Tennis Van der Volgen, September 
3d, 1754. 

Ariantje, a daughter of John, Jr., born October 17th, 1756, 
married Nicholas Avery. 

Sarah, also a daughter, l)orn November, 1718, married 
Isaac Le Koy. 

Clara, a daughter of Johannes, Sr., born Jul}^ 6th, 1735, 
married Nicholas Clute. 

Annatje, also a daughter, born Deceml)er 21st, 1737, mar- 
ried Dirk Clute. 

Machtelt, another daughter, born Octol)er 11th, 1747, 
maii'ied Johannes Consaidus. 

Willia^n Barret, son of Robert, of Albau}-, a carpenter, 
born January 18th, 1699. Came to Schenectady in 1724, 
and married, in March, 1725, Oatalina, daughter of Dirk 
Bratt. His wife inherited from her father the land on the 
south side of Union street, from No. 118 to and including 
No. 154, extending south })eyond Liberty street. 

Maria, a daughter of William, born December 3d, 1733, 
married Thomas Bath. 

Anna, another daughter, born January 18th, 1736, mar- 
ried, June 19th, 1756, Jellis Van Vorst. She inhei-ited the 
whole of the Union street property, and Barrett street was 
so named in honor of her excellent father. This lady was 
the \\\oi\\GV o( Jacobus Van Vorst, of Glenville ; of Catalyntje, 
the wife of John Baptist Clute ; of Maria, the Avife of Corne- 
lius Eeagles; o^i Rebecca, the wife of Martinus Frank ; and of 
Hath, the wife of Martinus Easterly. 

John Barheyt, son of John, of Albany, born May 16th, 
1703, settled in Schenectady, and married, August 1st, 1734, 
Cornelia, daughter of Areut Pootman. 

Cornelius, son of John, Jr., l)orn December 21st, 1737, 
married Rachel, daughter of Joseph Yates. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 167 

John, a son of Comelius, born August 30th, 1767, married, 
Jjuiuary 24th, 1790, Maiia, daughter of Cornelius Van Sl3'ck. 
He died February 20th, 1830, iu his 63d year. 

Oomelius, a sou of Johu, born March 16th, 1695, died 
July 10th, 1850. 

Jacobus, a son of John, J)'., honi February 9th, 1753, mar- 
ried Maria Bovie. 

Lewis, another son, born December 21st, 1755, married 
.Elsie Barheil. 

Catharina, a daughter, born June 14th, 1740, married 
Charles Dennistou. 

Eva, also a daughter, born November 25th, 1744, married 
John Coman. 

Jacomyntje, another daughter, married Wouter Vrooman. 

Anna, also a daughter, boru June 10th, 1750, married 
William Hall. 

Ilkroniinus (Jerome), also a son of John, of Albany, born 
:March 20th, 1709, married, April 9th, 1737, Maria, daughter 
of Jesse De Gratf. 

Johannes, his son, born January 7th, 1739, married Helena, 
daughter of Jacobus Peek. 

Jacobus, a son of John, born October 2d, 1763, married 
Christina Abel. 

Jerome, also a son of John, boru November 2d, 1765, mar- 
ried, January 4th, 1789, Cornelia Beeker. 

John Sanders Barheit, another son, born March 10th, 
1771, married, June 30th, 1794, Catharina, daughter of 
Johannes Stevens. He died July 27th, 1852, in his 83d 
year. 

Ilendrick, also a son, born January 11th, 1778, married 
Catahjntje, daughter of Gerrit Van Slyck. 

Alida, a daughter of John, born August 9th, 1761, died 
luniiarried. 

JSTicJiolas Visscher, son of Namring, of Albany, born No- 
vember 25th, 1705, married, January 18th, 1734, Anna, 
daughter of Eldert Tymesen, of Niskayuna. 

Htsther, the daughter of Nicholas, born June 16th, 1734, 
married Ahasueras G. Merselius. 



1G8 IIISTORr OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Maria, Jiiiother d;uighter, born Se})tember 2d, 1744, mar- 
ried Johannes R. Wemp. 

John Vis.schei\ son of John, of Albany, born Octol)cr 1st, 
1708, married, March 29th, 1737, Cathariua, daughter of 
Harman Van Slyck. 

Jolm, son of the above, born October 9th, 1737, married 
Susanna, daugliter of Jacob R. Schermerhorn. He died 
October 24th, 1821, at the advanced age of 85 years. Caiha- 
rina, his daughter, born October 24th, 1773, married, first, 
Michael Tyms ; secondly, Barent Roseboom. 

Harman Visscher, son of Harman Frederickse, of Albany, 
born August 24th, 1701, married Catho.rina, daughter of 
WilHam Brouer, of Schenectady. He was among the earliest 
settlers of Caughnawaga, and died shortly before the com- 
mencement of the Revolutionary War, leaving settled upon 
his extensive farm, then and now called ''Dadenoscara,''^ near 
the present village of Caughnawaga, an aged widow, three 
sons and two daughters, viz. : Frederick, a colonel ; and John, 
a captain, of Tryon county militia ; Harman, another son, 
and daughters Margaret and Gertrude. 

Colonel Frederick Visscher was married, and resided a 
short distance below the paternal mansion. The other bro- 
thers and sisters were mnnarried, and resided with their 
mother at the homestead. From the time of firing the lirst 
gun at Lexington, the Visscher brothers were uncompromis- 
ing patriots, and exceedingly obnoxious to their numerous 
Tory neighbors, headed by Sir John Johnson, Sir Guy 
Johnson, Colonel Daniel Cause, the Butlers, and Sheritf 
White. Bnt the Visschers, the Fondas, the Putmans, the 
Groots, the Hansens, and others, were cast in freedom's 
mould, and would not submit to oppression. But terri- 
bly soon afterwards that noble, spirited settlement felt the 
Tory rifle and torch, with the Indian tomahawk and scalp- 
ing-knife. 

Apprehending invasion, and a few days before Sir Jolm 
Johnson's terrible descent on the settlement. Colonel Visscher 
sent, )jy bateau, his young wife and infant family, Avith some 
valuables, to Schenectady for safety, and took up his resi- 



EARLY SETTLERS. 169 

dence at the old homostead, full of confidence in the gallantly 
of himself and brothers. 

Having seen Colonel Fisher at bis own house tioice, and, 
in company with my father and mother, having partaken of 
his abundant hos[)itality ; knowing that he commanded a 
regiment with great bravery, under General Herkimer, at 
the sanguinary and obstinate battle of Oriskany ; knowing 
how highly he was honored by Washington at an entertain- 
ment given to this Father of his Country, June 30th, 1782 ; 
having drank in, when a bo}', from his own lips, the story of 
his Revolutionary life, for the old hero loved to talk of those 
days of trial. 

At this point it is impractical)le to relate all the atrocities 
committed in the Mohawk Valley. But the attempted de- 
struction of the historic Visscher family is so remarkal)ly 
thrilling, and the recital of its circumstances, as given by 
Sims in his ''Border Wars of New York; chap. XI, pp. 359," 
etc., is so sul)stantially borne out by the personal statement 
of Colonel Visscher himself, that, believing the trials of our 
Eevolution should be historically perpetuated, I shall extract 
from it as follows : 

"On Sunday night, the 21st day of May, 1780, Sir John 
Johnson, at the head of about 500 troops — British, Indians 
and Tories — entered the Johnstown settlements from the 
expected northern route. The objects of the invasion doubt- 
less were the recovery of property concealed on his leaving 
the country. The murder of certain Whig partisans, the 
plunder of their dwellings, and the capture of several indi- 
viduals as })risoners , intending, by the execution of part of 
the enterprise, to territy his former neighbors. 

"About midnight the destructives arrived in the northeast 
part of the town, from which several of the Tories had 
disappeared the day before, to meet and conduct their kin- 
dred spirits to the dwellings of their patriotic neighbors ; 
for when Sir John was censured for the murder of those 
men, he replied, ' tJieir neighbors and not himself were hlani- 
able for those acts.' 

" Dividing his forces. Colonel Johnson sent part of them. 



170 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

mostly Indians and Tories, to Tribes Hill, nnder the direction 
of Henry and AVilliam Bowen, two In-others, who had form- 
erly lived in that vicinity and removed with the Johnsons 
to Canada." 

After reciting man}^ enormities, crnelties and murders, 
Sims states : 

" From the house of Barney Hansen, the enemy pro- 
ceeded to that of Colonel Fisher, where they were disap- 
pointed in not finding any of the family. (They had been 
removed to Schenectady). Plundering and setting it on 
fire, they hastened onward to the Visscher homestead, 
where they arrived just at daylight. 

"About 20 of the enemy first arrived at the old Visscher 
place, and attempted to force an entrance by cutting in 
the door ; but, being fired upon from a window by the 
intrepid inmates, they retreated round a corner of the 
house, where they were less exposed. The main body of the 
enemy, 300 in number, arrived soon after and joined in the 
attack. The brothers defended the house for some length of 
time after the enemy gained entrance below, and a melee fol- 
lowed in the stairway on their attempting to ascend. Several 
balls w^ere fired up tlirough the floor, the lower room not 
being plastered overhead, which the brothers avoided by 
standing over the large timbers which supported it. 

"At this period the sisters escaped from the cellar kitchen, 
and fled to the woods not far distant. They were met in 
their flight by a party of savages, who snatched from the 
head of one a bonnet, and from the bosom of another a 
neckerchief, but wei'e allowed to escape unhurt. Mrs. Fisher, 
the mother, about to follow her daughters, was stricken down 
at the door by a blow on the head from the butt of a musket, 
and was left without being scalped. The brothers returned 
the fire of their assailants for a while with spirit, but, getting 
out of ammunition, their castle was no longer tenable ; and 
Harman, jum[)ing from a back window, attempted to escape 
by flight ; but, in the act of leaping a garden fence a few 
rods from the house, was shot, and there killed and scalped. 
" As the enemy ascended the stairs, Col. Visscher discharged 



EARLY SETTLERS. 171 

a pi.-^tol he held in his hand, and calling for quarters, threw it 
behind him in token of .siibnii.ssion. An Indian, running up, 
strnek him a blow on the head with a tomahawk, which 
bronght him to the floor. lie fell upon his fiice ; the Indian 
took the crown scalp from his head, which entitled him to a 
reward ; then, giving him a gash in the back of his neck, 
turned him and attempted to cut his throat, Avhich was only 
prevented by his cravat, the knife penetrating just throngh 
the skin. 

" His brother, Capt. Visscher, as the enemy ascended the 
stairs, retrcjited to one corner of the room, that he might 
there repel his assailants. An Indian seeing him armed with 
a sword, hnrled a tomahawk at his head, which brought him 
down. He was killed outright, scalped, and there left. The 
house Avas plundered, and then set on fire with a chemical 
match, convened upon the roof by an arrow (as stated by 
Wm, Bowen, an actor, who returned after the Avar). 

" After the enemy had left. Col. Visscher's consciousness re- 
turned, and as soon as strength AvouldalloAV, he ascertained that 
his brother Jolm was dead. From a window he discovered that 
the honse Avas on fire, Avhich no donljt quickened his exer- 
tions. Descending, he fonnd his mother near the door, faint 
from the bloAvs dealt upon her head, and too Aveak to render 
hini any assistance. With no little effort, the Colonel suc- 
ceeded in renu)ving the body of his brother ont of the house, 
and then assisted his mother — Avho Avas seated in a chair the 
Ijottom of which had already caught fire — to a place of safety 
(this chair is preserved as a sacred relic by the De Graff 
family at the Visscher house) ; and having carried out a bed, 
he laid down upon it, at a little distance from the house, in a 
state of exhaustion. 

Tom. a black slave, belonging to Adam Ziely, Avas the 
first neighbor to arrive at Visschers. He incpiired of the 
Colonel Avhat he conld do for him. Visscher could not speak, 
but signified by signs a desire for Avater. Tom ran down to 
the Da-de nos-ca-va, a brook running through a ravine, a 
little distance east of the house, and filling his old hat, the only 
sul)stitute for a vessel at hand, soon returned with it, a drink 



172 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

of which restored the wounded patriot to consciousness and 
speech." 

As an ilhistration of the ])itter Tory animosities of the times, 
Sims says: "The Cok)nel's neighbor, Jo.sp/>A Clement, arrived 
at Visscher's while the Colonel lay upon the bed ; and on 
being asked b}- Tom Ziely what they should do for him, 
unl)hishingly replied in Low Dutch : ' L;iat do vervlukten 
rabble starven.' ' {^Let the cursed rebel die.^) 

" Tom, who possessed a feeling heart, was not to be per- 
suaded from his Samaritan kindness hy the icy coldness of 
his Tory neighbor, and instantly set about relieving the 
suffering man's condition. Uriah Bowen arrived about the 
time Tom returned with the water, and assisted in removing 
the dead and wounded farther from the burning building. 

" Colonel Visscher directed Tom to harness a span of horses 
(then in a pasture near, which, as the morning was very foggy, 
had escaped the notice of the enemy), before a wagon, and 
take him to the river at David Putmau's. The horses were 
soon harnessed, when the bodies of the murdered brothers, 
and those of Colonel Visscher and his mother, were put into 
the wagon (the two latter upon a bed), and it moved for- 
ward. The noise of the wagon was heard hj the girls, Avho 
came from their concealment to k'arn tiie fate of tlu^ famil}^ 
and join the mournful group. 

" The family Avas taken into a boat and carried across the 
river to Ephraim Wemps, where every attention was paid 
them. Seeing the necessity of his having proper medical 
attendance. Colonel A^isscher's friends, on the south side of the 
river, sent him forward by a canoe in cliarge of trusty per- 
sons to Schenectady, where he arrived just at dark the same 
day of liis misfortune, where, under tlie care of Doctors 
Mead, of that place. Stringer, of Albany, and two surgeons 
belonging to the United States Army, the patient recovered 
ra})idly.'' 

He was subsccjucntly a. noble hero in the battle of Oris- 
kany ; and (iovernor George Clinton, as a [)artial reward for 
his services and losses in the Revolutionary A\'ar, February 
(>tli, 17N7, appointed him a Urigadier (Jeiiei-al ; but declining 



EARLY SETTLERS. 173 

to accept this office, he was, on the 27th day of March follow- 
ing, appointed First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas 
of Montgomeiy county, which office he filled with ability and 
honor until Januarys 24th, 1801. 

After his recovery, he gave the faithful negro, Tom Ziely, 
who had treated him so kindly, a valuable horse. Tom sul)- 
sequently removed to Schoharie, and nearly every year dur- 
ing his lite paid Colonel Visscher a visit, when he always 
received substantial tokens of that patriot's gratitude. 

Colonel Frederic ViscJier, of whom so much lias l^een already 
stated, was the son of Harman, once a resident of Schenectady, 
but an early settler of Caughnawaga. He was born Febru- 
ary 22d, 1741, and married Gezina, daughter of Daniel De 
Grati; of Schenectady. Colonel Visscher died June 9th, 1809, 
leaving surviving him three S(ms and two daughters, 

Margaret, a sider of Colonel Frederick, one of the children 
who escaped to the woods on the morning of the Vischer 
family massacre, has been often seen by me ; she was born 
September oOth, 1747, and married, ^/r*'^, as his second wife, 
Myndert S. Ten Eyck ; and secondly, Victor Putman, Esq., of 
Montgomery county. 

Wessel Wessels, born March 28th, 17 lo, married, Maria, 
daughter of Arent Van Antwerpen. He died June 14th, 1789. 

Arent, his son, born June 17th, 1752, married il/am 7\ 
Truax, and left one son named Wessel, born July 27th, 1783. 

Harmarms, anotJier son of Wessel, Sr., married SopJria, 
daughter of Peter Truax. He died March 10th, 1813, in his 
59th year. 

Wessel, his son, born November 9th, 1783, married Mar- 
garet . He died in Glenville, September 9th, 1858, aged 

75 years. His wife died November 25th, 1853, aged 72 years. 

Jacoha, a daaghter of Harmanus, born December 31st, 
1790, married, j^r*/, Harry Beekman, son of Colonel Jacob 
Beekman, of Schenectady, with Avhom she h;id two daugh- 
ters, and married, secondly, David M. Moore, Esq., a highly 
res[)ected citizen of Schenectady\ 

Pldlip Uylei/ was born in tlie city of N(!\v York, April 
29th, 1719. He married, first, December 3d, 1742, Eva, 



174 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

daughter of Loiirence Viinder Volgeii ; secondly^ Heslher, 
daughter of Abruhum De Graff, February 17th, 1748; aud 
thirdly, Jcainetje, daughter of Jacobus Van Slyck, October 
11th, 1755. His last wife died August 1st, 1824, m her 89th 
year. 

James Van Slyck Byley, sou of Philip, boi-ii October 3d, 
17<)1, married, August 19th, 1792, Jannetje, daughter of 
Isaac Swits. He died January 8th, 1848, aged 86, leaving 
several daughters, one of whom married the distinguished 
divine. Rev. John Ludlow, D. D., for many years Provost of 
the University of Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Ryley was for many years Associate Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas of Schenectady county ; for a long 
time postmaster of this city, and was, on several occasions, 
employed as Commissioner and Interpreter by the United 
States Government to negotiate treaties with the Northwestern 
tribes of Indians, for wdiich position he was peculiarly fitted, 
having been, during his early life, a well-known trader among 
them. He also served several years as sheriff of Schenectady 
county. 

Alida, a daugJder of PldUp, born July 15th, 1743, married 
Gerrit 11. Van Vranken, 

Gertrude, another daugJder, l)orn October 3d, 1744, married 
William Rogers, Jr. 

Hendrick Vorl came to Schenectady in 1745, where he 
married Maria Olin. 

John, his son, born April 3d, 1757, married Susanna, 
daughter of Jan Baptist Van Vorst. He was a gallant pri- 
vate in Captain Clute's Company in the Revolutionary War, 
and died April 24th, 1842, in his 85th year, leaving several 
children surviving. 

William, another son of Ilendrick, born November 16th, 
1760, married Maria Springer, July 8th, 1787. He also was 
a patriotic private in Captain Vrooiuan's Company, in Colo- 
nel Wemple's Regiment, in the Revolutionary War. He 
died March 19th, 1848, aged 84 years. His wife died May 
5th, 1852, aged 91 years. They left several sons and daugh- 
ters and manv descendants surviving them. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 175 

Henry, anolher son of Hendrkk, boni August 24tb, 17G6, 
married JVancf/, daughter of Abraham Groot. He was u 
merchant in Schenectady, and had three children, John, Maria, 
and Cornelius. 

Heuben Horsford came from Farmiaglon, Connecticut, to 
Schenectady, in 1745. He was a hatter l)y occujjation, and 
married, December 8th, 1748, Harriet, daughter of Daniel 
Van Antwerpen. He, secondly, married, February 6th, 1775, 
Anna, daughter of Abraham Glen. 

John, a son of Reaben, born Noveml)er 4th, 1759, married 
Margaret Geddes. 

Joseph, a son of John, born October 24th, 1783, married 
Maria, daughter of John S. Glen. 

Harriet, a daughter of John, born April 24th, 1786, 
married ■ Thrall. 

Captain William McGinnis married, Februaiy 21st, 1750, 
Margaret Veeder. He was killed at the battle of Fort 
George, September 7th, 1755, at the same time with Captain 
Jonathan Stevens, They were in connnand of a body of 89 
men from Schenectad}'. According to Sir Wm. Johnson's 
report, "they fought like lions ; " both oliicers fell within a 
few yards of where the gallant Colonel Ephraim Williams aud 
the brave King Hendrick shed their lifes' blood in that deadly 
struggle with Baron Dieskaw. He left but one child, Alex- 
ander, who died, February 13th, 1770, unmarried. 

Robert Shannon, a Scotchman, came to Schenectady about 
1750 ; and, on the 28th day of May, in that year, married 
Elizabeth Bowel (Bowles). 

George, a son of Robert, born March 17th, 1751, married 
Sarah Smith. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and died 
January 8th, 1829, aged 80 years, leaving several children sur- 
viving him ; among them a son, John, born April 9th, 1791, a 
citizen well and favorably known in Schenectady county. 

Thomas, also a son of Robert, born December 20th, 1752, 
married Margaret, daughter of Abraham Schermerhorn, and 
left several children surviving him, and aniono; them one son 
named Aaron, born April 26th, 1795, the father of our 
enterprising citizen, Thomas Shannon. 



176 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

John, another son of Robert, married, Jul}^ 4th, 1781, 
Margaret, also a daughter of Abraham Schermerhorn. He 
served as a patriotic solder in the War of the Revolution, and 
died April — , 1821, leaving children. 

Wz'Iliam, also a son of Robert, married Jenny Smith. 

Robert, another son of Robert, married, first, Nancy 
McGregor ; secondly, in 1805, Eva Wa.ller. 

Michael, also a son of Robert, married Susanna, daughter 
of Joseph Bracham. 

Alexander, also a son of Robert, married, April 20th, 
1788, Elizabeth, another daughter of Joseph Bracham. 

Margaret, a daughter of Robert, born May 14th, 1758, 
married Simon B. Veeder. 

All of the above-named children left descendants ; so it is 
evident that the healthy blood of the honest, old Scot circu- 
lates extensively in our community. 

JosejjJi Bracham, a settler at Schenectady previous to 
1717, in which year he married Susanna, daughter of Simon 
Groot, Jr. 

Joseph, his son, born August 18th, 1723, married, Decem- 
ber 15th, 17G5, 3Iargaret Haggenbach. 

Elizabeth, daugJder of Joseph, Jr., born January 31st, 
1768, married Alexander Shannon. 

Susanna, also a daugJder, born March 6th, 1769, married 
Michael Shaimon. 

Samuel, also a son of Joseph, Sr., born January 28th, 
1728, married Debora, daughter of Albert Arentse Vedder. 

Samuel, Jr., son of Samuel, born October 26th, 1776, 
married, November 25th, 1798, Margaret Van Antwerpeu. 

John, another son of Joseph, Sr., born October 16tli, 1743, 
married, October 17th, 1770, Margaret, daughter of Albert 
Arentse Vedder. They had four sons and three daughters. 

Tobias Ten Eyck, son of Hendrick, of Albany, and Mar- 
garet Bleecker, his wife, born August 15th, 1717, married, 
September 7th, 1750, Rachel, daughter of Johannes De 
Peyster, of Albany, He was then, and had been for a short 
time before that, settled as a merchant at Schenectady. He 
built and lived in the mansion, subsequently owned and 



EARLY SETTLERS. 177 

occupied by Govenor Joseph C. Yates, unci lastly by Nicholas 
Cain, deceased, situated on Front street. He died February 
9th, 1785, aged 67 years, 5 months, 24 days, reputedly theii 
the most wealthy citizen of Schenectady. He was buried 
under the Dutch Church in Albany. 

JSbjndert Schuyler Ten Eijck, his oldest son, born February 
9th, 1753, married October 20th, 1774, Elsie, daughter of 
John Sauders, of Scotia ; and secondly, married, December 
30th, 1797, Margaret, widow of John C. Van Everen, and 
sister of Col. Frederick Visscher, of Caughuawaga. This was 
one of the girls who made the escape before noted, at the 
massacre of her brothers at the family homestead there, in 
1780. She left a daughter, Elsie, married to Peter Cowyne, 
Esq. 

Mr. Ten Eyck had been for many years a merchant in 
Schenectady, but in 1794 removed to Caughuawaga. 

John Sanders Ten EijcJc,Jiis son, born September 3d, 1778, 
married Eliza, daughter of Ephraim Wemple, of Fonda, 
July 2Gth, 1799. He died at Schenectady, July 15th, 1838. 
Agnes, his daughter, born October 20th, 1801 ; and Elsie, 
also a daughter, born November 10th, 1803 ; and Rebecca, 
another daughter, born August 8th, 1805, all died unmarried. 
Margaret Ann, his youngest daughter, born November 1st, 
1808, at the Scotia jNIansion, married Peter Vrooman, of 
Schenectady ; who, on her decease, left an only child, Isaac 
H. Vrooman, Esq., now an attorney-at-law, residing in the 
city of Albany, who is now the possessor of the portrait of 
his ancestor, Tobias Ten Eyck, of Schenectady. 

Henry, another son of Tobias, born July 27th, 1755, married, 
first, Anna, daughter of Jan Baptist Van Eps ; aud secondly, 
Maria Dorothea, daughter of Domine Barent Vrooman, of 
Schenectad}', and widow of John L. V. Le Tonnelier, and the 
mother of John S. Le Touuelier, a physician long resident 
here, and well known to our citizens. 

Mr. Ten Eyck was Captain in a Continental Regiment dur- 
ing the Revolutionary War, and was, in many battles, distin- 
guished for gallant service. Then a very youug man, he was 
a Captain in the advance cohunn at the storming of Stony 
12 



178 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Point, iiiKler General AVayne, on the niglit of July 15tli, 
1779, and was wounded in the arm by a bayonet thrust. He 
became very deaf, owing to the fact (as derived from the 
veteran's own lips, at his (country seat near Ballston), that 
while crawling through u cannon port-hole in the assault, the 
piece was simultaneously fired over his bod}', and produced 
the result. As early as 1807 he received a pension of $120 
per annum from the United States Government in considera- 
tion of his services and sutferings, and was through life 
esteemed a brave, generous, and excellent citizen. 

Tobias, his son, born July 19th, 1784, followed maritime 
life for many years. During the Peninsular War in Spain he, 
as counnander of a ship owned by himself, was employed 
by the British Government in the transportation of troops 
and army sup[)lies to the Army of Lord Wellington. After 
retiring from that service, he returned to Schenectady in 
1814 for a short time, and then located at Utica, where he 
man-ied, and died without leaving issue. His widow subse- 
quently married Ilarman Brower, Esq., of Montgomery 
county. 

Maiia, the danglder of llenrij, born April 11th. 1787, mar- 
ried Cornelius Vrooman, a physician of Schenectady, and 
the general agent of Mrs. Angelica Cam})ljell. Cornelius died 
January 2()th, 1811. His wife survived him many years, resid- 
ing with her step-brother, Doctor Tonnelier, for a short time. 

Joliii De Peyster, also a son of 7obias, married, January 
20th, 1782, Maria Douw, sister of John D. P. Douw, of 
All)any. He died April 9th, 1798, in Albany, leaving one 
child, a son, named John De Peystei-, born jNIay 3d, 1788. 

John W. Brovii married, in May, 1751, Margaret, daugh- 
ter of Caleb Beck, and immediately thereafter settled at Sche- 
nectady. He was one of the earliest founders and main pa- 
trons of the Episcopal Church of Schenectady. Mr. Bi'own 
was born in 1727, and died June 30th, 1814, in his 87th 
year, very much respected and regretted. 

Abraham, his .sw/, born November lltli, 17()2,- married, 
frst, Jane, dauglilcr of Daniel Kitllc : sivoiuUi/, Maigaret 
Van Vorst. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 179 

John, a son of Abnnn h>j his fii'st marriar/e, bom Aua-iist 
9th, 1783, inan-ied a daughter of Joseph Van De Bogait" by 
whom he had a son, John, who became an Episcopal minis- 
ter, and a gentleman of considerable poetic note, and of 
acknowledged literary attainments. He was a graduate of 
Union College, and was settled at Astoria, Long Island, N. Y., 
where he held a high standing, and died on the Island of 
Malta, whither he had gone for the ])enefit of his health, 
leaving a son named Joltn W. Brown, and three daughters. 
John Brown, the father, also left several daughters. lie was 
a manufacturer and "dealer in boots, shoes and leather, and 
much esteemed as a good and enterprising citizen. 

Daniel Campbell came to Schenectady some time in the 
year 1754. He was a native of Ireland, and was possessed 
of small means on his arrival. He commenced as an Indian 
trader, with a pack upon his back ; but by his native shrewd- 
ness, great mdustry and remarkable economy, in a lew years 
extended his operations, and at the connnencement of the 
Revolutinary War was esteemed a citizen of considerable foi-- 
tune. He subsequently became an extensive merchant and 
Indian trader, and by purchasing soldiers' rights, at the con- 
clusion of peace, acquired great wealth at Schenectady. Some 
years after his arrival he married Angelica, daughter of Arent 
Samuelse Bratt, by whom he had one son, named David, born 
November 15th, 1768. That son died June 29th, 1801, in 
his 33d year, leaving all his property to his father. The 
father himself died August 16th, 1802, aged 71 years, 10 
months, 28 days. Daniel Campbell was the intimate friend 
and acquaintance of Sir AVilliam Johnson, both hailing from 
the Emerald Isle of the Ocean ; and when at Schenectady, 
where he often came, being much interested in the progress 
of the infant Episcopal Church there, Mr. Campbell's house 
was always the baronet's home. That house was the prem- 
ises now occupied by Mr. Stewart Myers, and erected in 
1762 for Mr. Campbell, by Samuel Fuller, one of the most 
noted architects of the Province at that da}'. 

In 1771, Mr. Campbell was one of the Judges of the Court 
of Common Pleas for Albany county. He made his will 



180 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

July Kith, 1801, leaving about one-thiixl portion of his large 
estate to some relatives in Ireland, and the remainder, unre- 
stricted, to his wife Angelica. 

Mrs. Campbell made her will May 27th, 1811, leaving 
considerable sums to her various relatives, but made her great- 
nephew, Daniel David Campljell Schermerhorn, her residuary 
devisee and legatee, on condition of changing his name Scliei'- 
inevliorn to Caynpbell, which, after her decease, was accom- 
plished 1)y legislative enactment ; and that great-nephew, 
with many virtues, now resides among us, known and re- 
spected as Colonel Daniel D. Campbell. 

This good old lady, born August 2()th, 1733, died Sep- 
tember 28th, 1812, in her 80th year, universally beloved for 
her benevolence and amiable life. The writer well remem- 
bers her fondness for, and kindness to, children, and that, 
when a small boy visiting her in company with a married 
sister who resided on the opposite corner, the old lady has 
several times made him joyous with sugar-plums and the 
sweets little boys so much relish. 

JoJm Baptist Wendell, son of Ahasueras. of Albany, born 
March 6th, 1732, married, _/?'>vs'^, Jacamyntje, daughter of Cor- 
nelius Van Dyck, August 31st, 1754, at which time he came 
to reside at Schenectady ; secondly, he married, January 15th, 
1762, Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas Groot and widow of 
Arent Van Antwerpen. 

Ahasueras, his son, born December 25th, 1755, married 
Eva, daughter of Johannes Peek. He died Febiuary 22d, 
1848, aged 92 years. She died April 8th, 1852, aged 86 
years. They left surviving them sons and daughters. 

Maria, a daughter of John Baptist, born December 25th, 
1759, married Simon Van Patten. 

Anna, another daughter, born Septemljcr 30th, 1764, mar- 
ried Arent S. Vrooman. 

Robert H.Wendell, a son of Ilendriclc, Jr., of Albany, born 
February 7th, 1760, was an attorney-at-law, and married 
Agnes, daughter of Peter Fonda. He died at his country seat 
on the Troy turnpike within the bounds of the city, July 7th, 
1848, aged %% years, 5 months. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 131 

Henry 11. Wendell, /t/s son, hovn Septcml)er 29tli, 1784, 
WHS ail officer of artilleiy iii the War of 1812, and was dis- 
tinguished for galhmtry at the battle of Plattsburgh, and on 
several occasions iq^on the Niagara frontier. He died at the 
old homestead March 13th, 1868, in his 84th year, leavino- 
several daughters. 

Jacob, another son of Robert IL. born April 16th, 1791, 
died at Shelhjs Basin, Orleans county, October 12th, 1843. 

John Duncan, a yoking Scotchman, with his wife, Martha 
March, came to Schenectady in 1755. He was possessed of a 
good capital, and opened an extensive mercantile establish- 
ment on what is now the northwest corner of Washington 
avenue and Union street. He was the pioneer of a new style 
of merchants and a new mode of trade at Schenectady. Soon 
after his location here he formed a partnership with James 
Phyn, of London, and they became extensive wholesale and 
retail merchants and forwarders, extending their business far 
and wide over the Northern lakes; and, after 1759, dealing 
largel\^ and directly with Montreal. None can claim more 
justly giving an early impetus to the mercantile prosperity of 
Schenectady than the great firm of Duncan & Phyn. Mr. 
Duncan's city residence was the dwelling erected by him on 
the southeast corner of Union and Ferry streets. The business 
at Schenectady was principally conducted by him, while his 
partner Phyn conducted business abroad and at Montreal, 
where he mostly resided. Both becoming exceedingly rich for 
that day, they retired from business, except that James Phyn 
retained an interest in the succeeding tirm of John, James, 
Alexander and Robert Ellice, merchants from London, who 
continued their great business. 

Mr. Duncan sul)sequently purchased nearly all of the 
present town of Princetown (then called Corrysbush), and 
titles to lands there are now held under grants from himself 
or his sons. 

He built a country seat called the Hermitage (after his 
decease burned down) on his extensive farm of 800 acres in 
the now town of Niskayuna, a part of which is at present 
owned and occupied by ex-Senator Charles Stanford. 



182 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

At the Hermitage Mr. Duncan died May 5th, 1791, aged 
69 years, much esteemed for generous hospitality and luios- 
tentatious benevolence. 

RicJiard, Jus oldest son, was a Ccqjtam in the regular British 
army, and had the immediate command of a company of 
regular troops under command of Sir John Johnson, in his 
attack upon the Mohawk river settlements in 1780. He is 
said to have commanded his company with great gallantry 
and success on the retreats, when attacked by a spirited regi- 
ment of the army of General Robert Van Rensselaer. He 
was never taxed with cruelty or severity by the settlers. 
The enormities committed were pei'petrated by the Tories and 
Indians under Sir John Johnson's command. 

After his father's decease. Captain Duncan resided for 
many years at the Hermitage, an accomplished Christian 
gentleman, of extremely urbane manners, and very much 
respected. 

He had only one child, Maria, who died January 8th, 
1816, aged 23 years, unmarried. 

His wife, Mary, died September 8th, 1815, aged 45 years, 
and Captain Duncan died February — , 1819 — all swept 
away within three years, and now sleep in the family vault, 
under the chapel adjoining the Presbyterian grave-yard, 
Schenectady. 

John Major Duncan, a son of John Duncan, by a second 
marriage, born June 22d, 1781 ; died July 6th, 1875, aged 
94. He inherited considerable property from his father in 
Delaware county and elsewhere, and at his decease left one 
son and four daughters, 

Ernestus S;pitzer was a clergyman of the Lutheran Church, 
licensed by the Diocese of Vienna, March 25th, 1745. He 
married Barbara Wilfelin. He was a surgeon to the garri- 
son of Oswego from October 28th, 1753, to May 22d, 1755, 
about which time he came to and settled at Schenectady, 
where he practiced medicine. He had a farm on the north 
side of the Mohawk river, about seven miles above the city, 
in what is now (Jlenville, where; is still his family burying- 
ground. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 183 

Gerril, his son, married Anna, daughter of Nieliolas 
Sixberry. 

Elizabeth, the daughter of Ernest us, married Aaron Putman. 

William Adams settled in Schenectady as a physician in 
1757, and practiced there as such with distinguished reputa- 
tion for more than 70 years. He was a surgeon, under Sir 
Will iam Johnson, in the okl French War. Doctor Adams Avas, 
in some respects, one of the most remarkable men of his day. 

Learned, active, skillful, cheerful, genial, light-hearted, 
always buoyant, and much beloved in Schenectady. Some ot 
its older citizens, myself included, can yet well rememl)er 
the sprightly Avalk and erect form of this extraordinary and 
good, old man. Perhaps I cannot better illustrate his latter- 
day activity than by an extract from the Litchfield (Conn.), 
Post of June, 1827, as follows : 

" Doctor William Adams, of Schenectady, N. Y., aged 97, 
arrived in the village, having borne, without much apparent 
fatigue, the journey from Albany, a distance of 70 miles, in 
the stage, in one da//. AVith the activity of middle age, he 
left his bed at one ddoelc at night, and unattended, except b}^ 
casual passengers, performed his long journey with the pur- 
pose of spending the summer with a beloved grand-daughter, 
who resides in this village ; and the next day after his arrival, 
was seen moving Avith ease and agility around our streets, 
rejoicing in the pleasantness and beauty of spring." 

Doctor Adams had his residence and office on a property 
owned by him, being the lot on State street uoav occupied by 
the City Bank, Jesse Abbott, and the Wood Brothers, 
respectivel}'. He never again resided at Schenectady, but 
died at Litchfield in 1829, aged nearly 99 years, and is there 
interred. Doctor Adams had two sons and one daughter. 

James, the eldest, a physician in practice with his father. 
" The firm were druggists as Avell as physicians." James died 
at the early age of 35 years, leaving a daughter, who mar- 
ried Aljram ]M. Schermerhorn, son of Mans. 

Archibald Hamilton, his son, born July 18th, 1769, married 
Maria, daughter of Daniel McKinney. He Avas a physician 
of extensive practice in and about Schenectady. He died 



184 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY 

April 5th, 1811, iiged 42 yeurs. His wife died July 6th, 
1810, aged 33 years. They left surviving them one daughter, 
named Margaret, boru September 8th, 1795, who married 
the Rev. Samuel Kissam, of the Reformed Dutch Church, 
William's daughter, Margaret, married Doctor Reed, of Johns- 
town, then in Montgomery county. 

Dirk [Deric]^) Van Ingen, born at Ingcn, in Holland, Anno 
1738, from thence moved to Rotterdam, and was adopted by 
the great banker, Hope, of that place ; was appointed a 
surgeon in the service of the Dutch West India Company ; 
taken prisoner by the English, and ])r()ught to New York ; 
and after his release never returned to Holland. Came to 
Schenectady a young man, in the earh^ part of the year 
1759, and settled there as a physician and surgeon. He married 
Jirst, September 29th, 1759, Margaret, daughter of Joseph Van 
Sice ; 'A\\([secondhj, June 30th, 1790, Gertrude Mijnderse, widow 
of Myndert Wemple. He practiced his profession with much 
success and reputation, until prostrated by paralysis some con- 
siderable period before his disease, which took place Feb- 
ruary 27th, 1814, at the age of 76 years, 5 months, 8 days. 
His homestead was the house and premises on Church street, 
second north of First Reformed Dutch Church, now in the 
occupation of Mrs. Park Benjamin. He was one of the Com- 
mittee of Safety during the Revolutionary War, and Hospi- 
tal Surgeon at Schenectady. 

William, the oldest son of Dirh, l)orn Noveml)er 23d, 1760, 
married Etizaheth, daughter of Hon. Henry Glen. He died 
Jamiary 10th, 1800. 

Henry Glen, the son of William, Ijorn June 19th, 1784, 
married Elizabeth Hoopole. He died November 15th, 1817. 
His widow died November 8th, 1 849. They left surviving them 
three daughters, of ^vhom one married Isaac Banker ; another 
Cornelius Thompson ; and the third remains unmarried, and 
now resides with her sister, Mrs. Thompson. 

riohn VisscJter, another son of Dirk, born November 11th, 
1764, married, February 12th, 1787, Margaret McKinney. 
He was at one time Sheriff of the county of Schenectady, 
and was such at the time of his decease, June 9th, 1810. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 185 

James, also a son of Doctor DirJc, l)oni Deccml)er 28tli, 
1766, \\VM-v\Qi\, first, Catharine Bleechev ; secondly, Elizabeth 
Sc/iHi/ler ; and tliirdhj, Gertrude Schuyler. He was for nuuiy 
years Clerk of the Assembly and Register of the Court of 
Chancery of the State of New York. He resided in the city 
of Albany, where he died February 22d, 1843, leaving sur- 
viving him several children, of whom Harmanus S. Van 
Ingen, once a resident of Schenectady, and well kriown to 
its citizens, urns one. 

Abraham Van Ingen. another son of Dirk, born November 
oOth, 1773, married, January 11th, 1796, Elizabeth Van 
BosJdrk. He was a prominent attorney-at-law, and al\va}s 
had his ofHce and practiced at Schenectady. He was twice 
member of Assembly from this county, and held many offices 
of important trust. He died at Rahway, N. J., while on a 
visit there, March 18th, 1852, in his 80th year. 

He was the father of the late Theodoric R. Van Ingen, 
Esq., and of our well-known citizen, James L. Van Ingen, 
jNI. L). ; also of the deceased wife of our esteemed citizen, 
William Powell, Esq. 

Elizabeth, a daughter of Doctor Dirk, born Octo])er 11th, 
1772, married Alexander Mercer, of Schenectady. 

Judith, also a daughter of Dirk, born June 1st, 1777, 

married, first, Bi-adt ; secondly, Jacob Groesbeck, of 

Albany, and died April 26th, 1844. 

Abraham Oothout, son of Jonas, of Albany, born May 27th, 
1744, came to Schenectady in 1759. He married, y^'r^-^, Mar- 
garet, daughter of Gerrit Janse Lansing, of Albany, Novem- 
ber 27th, 1767 ; secondly, married, November 14th, 1787, 
Helena Lansing, widow of John Zabriskie, of Hackensack, 
N. J. During the Revolutionary War, Mr. Oothout was the 
Captain of a Company in Colonel Abraham Wemple's Regi- 
ment, and after the war was for years prominent in the mili- 
tary affairs of the State as a General of Militia. He was, as 
early as 1810, Mayor of the city of Schenectady, and held 
many civic offices of trust ; but, perhaps, in no position was 
he more conspicuous and efficient than as one of the original 
founders and patrons of Union College. General Oothout 



186 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

died in 1822. The writer well remembers the large numbers 
attending his funeral, for General Oothout was a man of 
mark in this community, and much respected. The President, 
Faculty, and all the students of Union College were there to 
honor the good man's memory ; and he well recollects (being- 
then in attendance as a student) that, as a lingering feature of 
old-time funeral, muUed tvine was freely distributed to all 
comers. Probably the last occasion of such an old Dutch 
custom in the county of Schenectady ; and perhaps it is well, 
in this day of extreme jni) it t/ and progress, that the old cus- 
tom is nearly forgotten. 

Gerrii, a sou of General Oothout, born January 14th, 1776, 
died June 19th, 1832, unmarried. 

Henri/ A., unother son, born eTune 30th, 1780, married 
Miza Ann Nicoll, a lineal descendant of Colonel NicoU, the 
first English Governor of the Province of New York. Mr. 
Oothout was an attorney-at-law, for many years residing 
and practicing his profession at Albany. During the latter 
years of his life, returning to Schenectady, he retired from 
professional practice, and died at his homestead June 27th, 
1846. His excellent widow, died at the residence of her son, 
in the city of Rochester, January 22d, 1872, in her 85th 
year. 

Samuel Nicoll, a son of Abraham A., born August 25th, 
1810, graduated at Union College in 1830 ; studied law, was 
admitted to the bar, but never entered u[)on practice, and is 
now a very enterprising and worthy resident of the city of 
Eochester. Helen, his only sister, resides with her brother. 
Abraham, the youngest son of General Abraham, born April 
29th, 1785, married, November 12th, 1808, Gezma, daughtev 
of Isaac De Graff, Esq., and sister of the late Hon. John J, 
De Graff. He died May 20th, 1840. His wife died Janu- 
ary 14th, 1861. They are the parents of our well-read and 
o-enial fellow-citizen Gerrit Lansing Oothout, who was born 
September 12th, 1809, graduated at Union College in 1829, 
studied law, but disliking it as a profession, never practiced — 
devoting himself much to general reading and- literary 
matters. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 187 

Margaret, a daughter of Abraham, born June 7th, 1811, 
married Hon Peter J. Waggoner, of Fort Plain, Montgomer}^ 
county. 

Margaret, a daughter of General Abraham, born August 
28th, 1782. married, August 7th, 1804, Archibald Craig, 
M. D., of Schenectady. She died October 12th, 1810, leaving 
one child, Elizabeth, who married Julius lihodes, Esq., an 
attorney-atdaw, residing at Albany. 

JoJm Munro, .son of Hugh Munroe, of the parish of Alness, 
in liosshire, Scotland, married Maria, daughter of Cornelius 
Brouwer, of Schenectady, April 5th, 1760, where he remained 
settled in mercantile business for some time. But lie subse- 
quently, before the Revolutionary War, removed to Albany, 
went into business there, and was an elder in the Presbyte- 
rian Church at that place. Ke left surviving him but one 
child, Cornelius, born October IGth, 1768. 

This is the notorious Major John Munro (as history in- 
forms us), a Tor}' from Schenectady, who, in command of a 
party of 400 men, made up of a part of Sir John Johnson's 
corps, a few regulars, some rangers, refugees from the Balls- 
ton settlement, and Mohawk Indians, on the 16th October, 
1680, made their appearance in the unsuspecting Ballston 
neighborhood. 

From this point, as a matter of correct history deeply 
interestiuo; from its circumstances and nearness to our citizens, 
I will extract from the historical address of Hon. George G. 
Scott, relating to Saratoga county, delivered at Ballston Spa 
July 4th, 1876, as follows: 

" The object of this expedition was to attack Schenectady, 
but if that experiment, upon reconnoitering, should be deemed 
hazardous, then to make a descent upon the Ballston settle- 
ment. 

"The orders to Munro were, to plunder, destroy property, 
and take prisoners, but not to kill ludess attacked or resisted, 
or to prevent escai)es. They proceeded by the Indian trail^ 
already mentioned, and encamped in the northwest part of 
the present town of ^Milton, where they remained a few da}'s 
concealed from all but some Tories in the neighborhood, by 



188 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

whom they were supplied with provisions. Having learned, 
through their scouts, that it would be inisat'e to make an 
attempt on Schenectady, and that the 'Fori ' in Ballston had 
just been garrisoned by about 200 militiamen, chiefly fnmi the 
former place, they concluded to advance no further than 
Colonel Gordon's. 

" The 'Fort,^ as it was called, stood at the southwest corner 
of the square at the Hed Meeting -house ^ which was then nearly 
completed. The ' Fort^ was constructed of oak logs, witl'. 
loop-holes for musketry, and surrounded with pickets. 

" Colonel James Gordon, then the commanding officer of 
a regiment of militia, arrived home October 13th, from 
Poughkecpsie, where he had attended as a member of the 
Legislature at an extra session convened by Governor Clin- 
ton, which adjourned October 10th, His residence was on 
the middle line road, upon the farm now owned by Henry 
Williams, Jr., and his capture was deemed of considerable 
importance. Some of the escaped Tories, who had been 
brought back l)y him three years previous, had not forgiven 
him, and one of them in connnunication with Munro informed 
him of Gordon's arrival. 

" In the evening of October 16th, the enemy came to a 
halt at the dwelling of one James McDonald, a Tory, living 
at tlie first four corners w^cst of what has since been known 
as the Coart-JioHse lull. McDonald piloted the party through 
the woods to the rear of Gordon's house. Gordon was 
aw^akcned by the l)reaking of the window^s of his sleeping- 
room by bayonets thrust through them. He sprang from 
his l)ed, in wiiich were his Avife and little daughter, and partly 
dressing himself went into the hall, which was by this time 
filled with the enemy. As he opened the door, a gigantic 
savage raised his tomahawk, and as the blow was nearly upon 
Gordon's head, the arm of the savage Avas caught by an 
officer. 

" At this moment the brass clock struck twelve, where- 
upon an Indian shattered it into pieces with his tomahawk, 
exclaiming : ' Yon never speak againJ 

" A scene of indiscriminate [)lund('r then ensued. The 



EARLY SETTLERS. 189 

Indians attempted to fire the house and barn, l)ut were pre- 
vented. Besides Gordon, Jack Call)raith and John Parlow, 
eniph)jees, and Nero, Jacob and Ann, his three negro slaves, 
were carried off prisoners, 

" As they proceeded towards the main road, where Gor- 
don's miller, Isaac Stew, lived, he came running toward them, 
exclaiming: ' Colonel Gordon, save yourself I The Indians !' " 

Several houses and barns were burned, and about thirty 
prisoners carried away. 

" Between Bigsby's and George Kennedy's, about fifty of 
the enemy, under the command of Lieutenant Frayer, a 
refugee from the vicinity of Burnt Hills, left the main body, 
and advanced to the dwelling of George Scott (grandfather 
of Hon. George G. Scott). Aroused from sleep by the vio- 
lent barking of his watch-dog, he, with his musket in his 
hand, oi)ened the door, and saw the column advancing in the 
moonlight. He heard some one exclaim : ' Scott, throw down 
your gun, or you are a dead man.' Not hastening to obey, 
he was felled to the tloor by three tomahawks simultaneously 
thrown at him by the Indians of the party, who rushed up 
to take his scalp. They were prevented by Frayer and Ser- 
geant Springsteed, another refugee, and formerly Scott's 
hired man, who, with their swords, kept the savages at bay. 
The party pillaged the house, and left Scott, as they believed, 
in a dying condition. So they informed Colonel Gordon, 
his brother-in-law, but he recovered. 

"The enemy crossed the Kayaderoseras, at what is now 
jNIilton Centre, about day-light, and came to a halt. Each 
})risoner was phiced between two of the enemy in Indian tile. 
Their hands were tied ; some of them were l)are-footed, and 
most of them but })artly dressed. 

"Munro thereupon addressed his men. He said he 
expected they would be pursued, and that on discovering the 
first sign of a pursuit, even the firing of a gun, each man 
must kill his prisoner. In this order the march was resumed, 
the prisoners expecting that the troops from the fort would 
overtake them." (Gordon had privately, by some means, 
sent back a message, advising that all attempts at a rescue 



190 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

should be ji]);indoiiccl.) Here we will dismiss the brutal 
Munro, with the consoling reflection that, for this inhuman 
order, he was afterwards dimiissed from the service. 

" The messenger met Captain Stephen Ball, with a detach- 
ment of miHtia from the fort, at what has since been known 
as Milton meeting-house, and they returned." 

In due time the prisoners reached Montreal. " They were 
at first lodged in the ReoIIei convent, and afterwards confined 
in a jail. Gordon was bailed in the sum of Xo,000 by James 
Ellice (once a distinguished and extensive merchant of Sche- 
nectady, of whom more will be written hereafter), with 
whom he formerly had business relations. 

" After a few months, for what reasons Colonel Gordon 
never knew, he alone, of all the prisoners, was removed to 
Quebec, and kept there in prison for about two 3 ears, when 
he was transferred to the Isle of Orleans." 

A word more about Colonel Gordon, as he was an intimate 
friend of my father, and wmU close this Ballston invasion of 
Munro with some account of Colonel Gordon's escape and 
return to his homestead and family. 

" When Gordon was removed to the Isle of Orleans, he 
found there several other Ballston prisoners. They contrived 
to escape from the island by me;uis of a fisherman's boat, and 
landing on the right bank of the St. Lawrence river, they 
made their way into the wilderness. Their provisions soon 
gave out, and for several days they subsisted on nothing but 
berries, and a species of mussel found in the streams. Arriving 
at the headwaters of the St. John, they, with their hatchets, 
constructed a rude raft, upon which they floated down the 
river for a considerable distance, and then struck across to 
Passamaquoddy bay, 

•' This was in 1783, and there they learned, for the first 
time, that hostilities had ceased. They proceeded to Halifax, 
and Averel)rought from thence to Boston by '« carte/,' and 
hastened lo tiieir respeclive homes." 

After his return, C'oloncl (Jordon lived in Ballston for 
many years, and was highly honored by all who knew him. 

General James Gordon was an intimate friend of my father. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 191 

John Sanders ; they served for four years together as Sena- 
tors of the State of New York, from 1799 to 1803. He also 
served two terms in the Congress of the United Statess, from 
1791 to 1795. I give a singlo ilhistration. Judge Scott says : 

" While General Washington was waiting at New York, 
in the summer of 1783, for the definitive treaty of peace, he 
concluded to while away a part of the time by a trip to the 
northern part of the State. ^Accordingly, accompanied by 
Governor Clinton, General Hamilton and others, he pro- 
ceeded by water to All)any. From thence the party on 
horseback moved u[) the river, and visited the scene of the 
late battle of Stillwater and the spot of Burgoyne's surrender. 
They continued on to Lake George, passed down the lake in 
boats, which had been provided for them, and examined the 
fortifications of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 

"On their return, they came l)y way of the HigJi Rock 
spring, where they halted, and then with some ditiiculty 
found their way to the mineral spring (at the foot of what is 
now Front street^ which gave to Ballston Spa its celebrity 
as a watering-place. From here they proceeded to the resi- 
dence of Colonel Gordon, ^^\\o had recently returned from 
his captivity, where tliey dined. Towards night they left for 
Schenectady, Colonel Gordon, attired in his regimentals, 
escorting them, and riding at Washington's right." This 
Avell-merited honor Gordon always esteemed the culminating 
incident of his life. 

Joachim Kiltie, son of Daniel, of Schaghticoke, ])orn 
August 12th, 1705, married, June 25th, 1730, Eva, daugh- 
ter of Adam Vrooman. 

Daniel, a son of Joachim, l)orn January 5th, 1737, married, 
July 11th, 1762, Sarah, daughter of Sybrant Van Schaick. 
She died August 4th, 1842, in her 102d year. 

Sybrant, the son of Daniel, born Janiianjm, 1775, died in 
Albany, March 1st, 1844, in his 69th year. 

Margaret, a daughter of DanieJ, born July 30tli, 1735, mar- 
ried Gerrit Van Ness. 

Deborah, also a daughter of Damiel, born Septemljer 10th. 
1738, married Cornehus Lansing. 



192 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Maria, another daughter, ])oni June 14tli, 1740, iiiiirncd 
Johannes Lansings 

Sara, also a daughter, born January 29th, 1744, married 
Johannes Van Vorst. 

David Kittle, son of Douiv, of Albany, born Ma}' 11th, 
1738, married. May 13th, ]761, Behorah, daughter of Nicho- 
las Viele, of Schenectady. He lived at Schaghticoke. 

Catahjna, his dauglder, born March 16th, 1763, married 
Albert A. Vedder. 

3Iaria, also a daughter, born Deceml)er 26th, 1779, mar- 
ried All)ert Vedder. 

Isaac Rosa, married, Noveiaher 2'2d, ll\Jo, Maria, daughter 
of liyckert Van Vranken. 

Hichard, theson of Isaac, born Decendjer 11th, 1769, mar- 
ried Annatje, daughter of Ilendricus Peek. He left surviv- 
ing him several children. 

Jacohus (James), also a son of Isaac, born May 28th, 1778, 
married,^; '6'^, Margaret Mills ; secondly, Sarah, daughter of 
Claus Van der Bogert ; and tJiirdlij, Deborah, daughter of 
Nicholas Hall. By his several marriages Mr. Rosa, v/ell 
known to our citizens, had thirteen children, among the sur- 
vivors of whom are numbered our esteemed fellow-associates 
and residents, Richard, Henry and Edward Rosa, Esq., and the 
respective wives of George W. Moon, and Andrew Mathews. 

Annatie, a daughter of Isaac, born August 13th, 1776, mar- 
ried Joseph Yates. 

Samuel Tyms came to Schenectady in 1763, and married 
Jannetje, daughter of Nicholas Van Petten. 

Michael Tyms, his son, born September 18th, 17()3, niar- 
lied Catharine, daughter of Johannes Visscher. Mr. Tyms 
Avas a man of excellent education for that period, and was 
appointed teacher of the English language in the Schenec- 
tady Academy April 29th, 1785, and so continued until near 
the time of his decease. He died August 28th, 1804. He 
left no children ; his only son, Samuel John, and two daugh- 
ters having died previous to his decease. His wife Catharine 
subsequently married Barent Roseboom, and died in 1852. 

Samuel Fuller, one of the most remarkable, intelliii'cnt, and 



EARLY SETTLERS. 193 

useful among the early citizens of Schenectady, was born in 
the vicinity of the city of Boston, Mass. It is impossible for 
me to determine exactly at what time he permanently located 
in Schenectady, but certainly as early as December 7th, 1763, 
when he married Anna, daughter of William Hall (an esti- 
mable citizen of Schenectady, who had been taken prisoner 
by the French and Indians, and carried to France, where he 
died). This Anna Hall was a lineal descendant of the old 
proprietor Ryer Schermerhorn. Mr. Fuller died just before 
the commencement of the Revolutionary War, leaving surviv- 
ing him an onl}^ son named Jeremiah, who became an enter- 
prising merchant of this place, and is still so pleasantly and 
favorably remembered by its aged citizens. Anna, his daughter, 
born April 8th, 1771, died unmarried— indeed, quite young. 
The memory of Samuel Fidler should be tenderly cherished 
by the citizens of Schenectady. I should do injustice to my 
own sense of propriety and the fidelity of my researches, did 
I not si)eak of him in this accomit of Schenectady's early days, 
as an acconqjiidied architect, who has effected more than any 
other man during the one hundred years that preceded him, 
to improve the style of iKiilding in our place, and erect build- 
ings stately for all time, throughout almost the length and 
breadth of our Mohawk Valley. 

History says much, and justly, too, of the Maijjioiver, and 
its intelligent, virtuous, and heroic refugees from English 
oppression. They were not Puritans, or Roundheads, or 
fanatics ; '• wo loitchcraft slaughters ever disgraced tlieir annals.''^ 
They were non-conformists, dissenters {or Pilgrim Fathers, as 
they are now commonly called), of whom 120 families, under 
their Pastor, Rev. John Robinson, head of the English con- 
gregation at Leyden, in Holland ; where, under the free pro- 
tection of the flag of that country, those dissenters had long 
found an asylum from persecution by the hierarchy and 
government of Enoland. 

After remaining there a number of years, causes conspired 
to render these people dissatisfied with Holland as a perma- 
nent abode ; among them a difierence of language and 
customs, and a soil too marshy and unwholesome. 
13 



194 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Ill 1619, Mr. Robinson applied to tlie Dutch Company 
trading in New Netherlands, to be allowed to settle there, 
and their consent was obtained, but for reasons too voknni- 
nous to be detailed here, Their High Mightinesses, the States 
General and Prince of Orange, declined. 

Thus was changed the destination of that noble congrega- 
tion, who in the midst of the inclemencies of a stern winter, 
landing on the rocky and dreary shores of Cape Cod ; who have 
done much l)y their sterling example and lessons, through the 
Providence of Almighty God, to rear a Republic which was 
to serve in all after ages as an asyhnn for the oppressed of 
every land. 

Some historians represent that " The PiJgnms^^ were taken 
against their will to New Plymouth, by the treachery of the 
Captain of the Mayflower, who, they assert, was bribed by 
the Dutch to land them at a distance from the Hudse)n river. 
But this cannot he so. Gov. Bradford, in his history of 
the Plymouth Oolony ; Winslow, in his "■Brief Narrative,''^ 
and Young's Chronicles of the Pilgrims, all high cotemporary 
authority, contradict the assertion. 

Indeed, all the evidence of history shows, that no matter 
how great the disturbances between the authorities of the 
New Netherlands, the Massachusetts Bay, New Haven, Hart- 
ford, and other eastern colonies — Plymouth colony and the 
Dutch were always reciprocally upon friendly terms ; neither 
seemed willing to forget the old hos})italitie8 of generous 
Holland. 

I know not how much of the genuine blood of the May. 
flower Pilgrim Fathers courses in the veins of our citizens ; 
though I believe myself well informed when I state that the 
Rev. " Winslow Paige,^^ long a distinguished clergyman of 
the Reformed Dutch Church, and the father of our much- 
valued citizen, John Keyes Paige, and Alonzo C. Paige, 
deceased, and of Mrs. Piatt Potter, still living, was the lineal 
descendant of a Mayflower pioneer, and well have his de- 
scendants sustained the honor of their origin. But Samuel 
Fuller, the subject of this outline, was not only a son" of New 
England, but indisputably a lineal descendant of Doctor 



EARLY SETTLERS. 195 

Samuel Fuller, oue of the memorable planters of Plymouth, 
who came over ou the Mayflower with the lirst settlers, in 
1G20. 

I extract from " Hooper's Medical Dictiouary," Vol. I, 
letter F : 

" He was the first regularly-educated physician that visited 
New England. He did not confine his benevolent offices to 
the inhabitants of New Plymouth and to the aboriginals of 
the country, but readily gave his assistance to the people of 
Salem and Charlestown, after Mr. Endicott came to that 
])art of Massachusetts Bay. Several of the people there died 
of the ' scurvy and other distempers,' and many were sub- 
jected to diseases arising from unAvholesome diet and want of 
jjroper accommodations. Having no physician among them- 
selves, it was fortunate for those phuiters that Plymouth 
could supply them with one so well qualified as Doctor Ful- 
ler, who visited them at the request of Governor Endicott, 
and met with great success in his practice. He visited Salem 
first in 1G28, and again in 1629, on account of the sickness 
introduced there by the newl3'-arrived ships. When he 
arrived at Plymouth from Salem, Governor Endicott wrote 
to Governor Bradford a letter of thanks speaking highly in 
praise of the physician. 

" In his medical character, and for his unfeigned piety, 
Doctor Fuller was held in high estimation, and was resorted 
to as a father and wise counsellor during the perils of his 
day. He was finally one of several heads of families who 
died of a fever which prevailed in Plymouth in the summer 
of 1633, and was most deeply remembered by all the colo- 
nists." (Thatch. Med. Biog., A.) 

Samuel Fuller, the architect and lineal descendant of the 
above-named Doctor Samuel Fuller, first came to Schenec- 
tady during the French War, on the 28th day of March, 
1758, and was then wholly employed in the King's service 
at Schenectady, Albany, Stillwater, the great carrying place, 
Fort Edward, Lake George, and Niskayuna. He was en- 
gaged in the construction of boats, wagons, log-houses and 
shelters for the use of tlie army commanded by General 



196 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Abercrombie (some evidence of the versatility of his powers), 
until July 31st, 1758, after which period he returned to 
Boston, and from that place went to Halifax, where he arrived 
February 7th, 1759, and continued in the royal service in 
the navy yard there, until after the taking of Quebec by 
General Wolf in September, 1759 ; from whence he returned 
to Boston, and thence to Schenectady, where he arrived July, 
1761, and on the 13th of the same month commenced the 
building of a mansion in this town, and the year following 
erected ''The Hermitage,''^ \\\ Niskayuna, for our great ex- 
merchant, John Duncan, upon his extensive estate there. 
This latter building was, long after its erection, burned down, 
and is now replaced, at a point not far distant, upon a por- 
tion of the same domain, by a line mansion, the residence of 
ex-Senator Charlee Stanford. 

Mr. Fuller built for Sir William Johnson the Guy Park 
mansion, subsequently the residence of Sir Guy Johnson, and 
also the Claas mansion, afterwards the abode of Colonel 
Daniel Claas — both gentlemen sons-in-law of Sir William. 
He also built the now venerable court-house at Johnstown, 
still standing in all its early proportions, admirably preserved 
with o;i-eat taste, and should always be saved for its old asso- 
ciations, and as a standing witness of the severe trials of our 
Revolutionary struggle. The sight of no costly court struc- 
ture of the present day affords to the scholar and the histo- 
rian so much of interest and association as this sound and 
unique structure. Here, Sir William Johnson and Colonel 
Frederick Vischer respectively held their courts. Here, 
Lewis, Kent, Spencer, Van Ness, Piatt, Yates and Walworth 
have often adjudicated causes with profound lore and noble 
impartiality. And here, too, the voices of Hamilton, Burr, 
Ennnett, Van Vechten, Henry, Talcott, Cady, Keynolds, and 
many other distinguished lawyers, now resting from their 
labors, have echoed from its historic walls. 

Let me say, myself a link between the present and the 
past, the old Johnstown Court-House should be treasured 
and maintaiued as an honorable relic of New York's most 
honoraljle days. 



EARLY SETTLERS, 197 

Mr. Fuller also built the dwelling of General Nicholus 
Heikimer, in the now town of Danube, Herkimer county, 
and other prominent mansions in the Mohawk Valley. 

He did much to alter, yet improve the old Holland style 
of building in Schenectady. He built the Episcopal Church 
in 1762 (now the oldest Episcopal church-structure standing 
in the State of New York). Built the John Glen mansion 
on Washington avenue, now owned by Mr. Georo-e J. Swort- 
tiguer ; the Ten Eyck mansion, until his decease the resi- 
dence of Governor Joseph C. Yates ; the Daniel Campbell 
mansion, corner of State and Church streets, now owned and 
occupied by Stewart Myers, Esq. Ho may have erected the 
building here, and probablij did, but enough has been shown 
to indicate his skill and spirit of reform — to show that gable 
fronts and far-reaching water-spouts on the streets were not 
in his line of taste and construction. 

I cannot, the reflecting citizen cannot, but feel that Schenec- 
tady owes much to the early architectural skill of Samuel 
Fuller. 

Let me introduce (see Appendix D,) an autograph letter 
from Sir William Johnson to Samuel Fuller, now in possession 
of his grandson. General Wm. K. Fuller, written in a bold, 
clean and business hand, shewing an interesting comparison of 
the daily wages paid mechanics in 1763, and those paid them 
in our Centennial year. It is truly'an illustration of the com- 
parative value of money in the present and the past, before 
the flow of coal oil and the powers of steam were known. 

Jeremiah Fuller, the son, and only surviving child of Sam- 
uel Fuller, born October 26th, 1766, married Mary, daugh- 
ter of George Kendall, January 23d, 1790. They were the 
parents of fourteen children — ten sons and four daughters — 
all of Avhom reached majority except one, Samuel, and one 
daughter, Ann, who died in infancy. Mr. Fuller was a man 
of marked decision of character, of great integrity and busi- 
ness energy ; no one more highly estimated the advantages 
of a liberal education than himself, or more generously prized 
the eflbrts of learned men. Born at a time when educational 
advantages were few, he, iu a long life, saw more and more 



198 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

each day its value and social importance ; and I now state, as 
a remarkaljle circumstance, that of nine sons that survived 
him, each was a graduate of Union College, and all, in the 
various walks and professions of life, have worthily sustained 
its literary and practicable reputation ; nor was the education 
of his daughters by any means neglected. As a whole, Mr. 
Fuller, like his father, was one of our most remarkal)le citi- 
zens. He died June 18th, 1839, in the 73d year of his age. 
His estimable wife, Mary, died November 9th, 1860, at the 
ripe old age of 85 years, 6 months, and 19 days, beloved by 
all who knew her. 

General William Kendall Fuller, the oldest swviving son of 
Jeremiah, was born November 24th, 1792. He was educated 
in the schools of Schenectady, graduated at Union College 
in 1810, studied law in the office of Henry and John B. 
Yates, then the most prominent practitioners of Schenectady 
county, and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court 
of the State of New York in 1814. Soon after his admis- 
sion he entered into partnership with Hon. John B. Yates. 
In the summer of 1814, they moved to Utica, Oneida county, 
at that time a village of about 1,300 inhabitants ; opened an 
office, practiced law there until the spring of 1816, when 
they removed to Chittenango, Madison county, then merely 
a hamlet of 100 inhabitants, where, and in the vicinity, the 
senior partner, Mr. Yates, owned large landed interests. Mr. 
Fuller, though young, modest, and remarkably unassuming, 
was, from his wonderful habits of industry and close atten- 
tion to business, soon marked as a popular and rising man. 
During his short residence at Utica he was appointed a 
Master in Chancery, Attorney for the Oneida, Stockbridge 
and Brothertown Indians, and (Quarter-Master to a Eegi- 
ment of Militia. 

The public seem to have entertained the most perfect con- 
fidence in the integrity and abilities of Mr. Fuller. Soon 
after his settlement at Chittenango, unsolicited on his part, 
offices clustered upon him. He seemed an idol at Chit- 
tenango, and in Madison county, then sparsely and " newly 
settled, being only organized as a county in 1806. 




\^z 






EARLY SETTLERS. 199 

He filled in the extensive town of Sullivan, in which Chit- 
tenango is situated, twice the office of Justice of the 
Peace, was for some time its Town Clerk, also its Post- 
mastei- ; was School Trustee, Commissioner of Highways, 
and twice its Supervisor. In connection with the discharge 
of the duties of an extensive legal practice, one would sup- 
pose this was sufficient care. But the people of Madison 
seemed to think otherwise. He was, during his residence, at 
difierent times, Aide-de-Camp to the General of Brigade, 
Brigade Judge Advocate, with the rank of Major, and Divi- 
sion Inspector, with the raidv of Colonel, He was also Dis- 
trict Attorney for the County of Madison, and at one time 
Judge of its Court of Common Pleas, 

All this flattering tribute from his constituents culminated 
early in the year 1823, in his appointment, by Gov. Yates, 
to the office of Adjutant-General of the State of New York, 
serving through his whole administration, and during several 
months of the succeeding term of Gov. Clinton, with so much 
acceptance, that on retiring from the office Gov. Clinton issued 
" a General Order " complimentary of Mr. Fuller's services 
as Adjutant-General, and caused it to be published in the 
State Paper. As an evidence of Gov, Clinton's estimation of 
General Fuller's services, I insert the following copy of the 
order : 

" State of New York, > 

" Head-Quarters, 'oth May, 1825. \ 

" The Commander-in-Chief, on the retiring of William K. 
Fuller, Esq., from the office of Adjutant-Genend, considers 
it an act of justice to express his high sense of the useful and 
indefatigable services of that meritorious officer. 

" CH. G. HAINES, Adjutani-GeneraV' 

In 1823, at the time of his appointment as Adjutant- 
General, Judge Fuller relinquished the practice of the law. 
After the expiration of his office as Adjutant-General, he 
returned to Chittenango, and became greatly interested in 
the management of valuable real estate there, and in that 
vicinity ; was a Commissioner, under legislative acts, to 



200 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

drain the Canaseraga marsh ; was one of the Dh-ectors and 
the Secretary and Treasurer of the " Side-Cui" from Chitte- 
nango to the Erie canal, which was completed under his 
superintendence, simultaneously with the middle section of 
the Erie canal, at a much less cost than the ca})ital subscribed. 
This lateral canal, with its four locks, was abandoned in con- 
sequence of the adoption of a new route for the Erie canal, 
at the time of its enlargement, by which the latter was 
brought to the northern limits of the village. 

Madison county elected him member of Assembly for two 
successive terms (1829-30) ; and he was elected twice in suc- 
cession a member of Congress from the Twenty-third District, 
then composed of the counties of Madison and Onondaga — his 
last term ending March od, 1837. Since that date he has 
carefully avoided any involvement in public concerns, and up 
to 1852 devoted his time to his private affairs, and the settle- 
ment of the large estate of his deceased friend and former law 
partner, Hon. John B. Yates, of whose will he was an executor. 

After that time, interested in property here, and having 
become interested in property in Canada, General Fuller 
divides his time on both sides of the line. " Bui Schenectady 
is his native place ; " the home of his early days ; the final rest- 
ing place of his ancestors ; the home of many of his relatives 
and best friends ; and here, more than at any other point, my 
aged friend, now in his 86th year, erect in gait as a man of 
30 years, with a mind clear as crystal fountain ; a colossus of 
antiquarian research and historic learning ; a memory seem- 
ingly unimpaired by the long uses of time ; a physical frame 
in wonderful preservation, this near ally of Schenectady's 
olden time seems, with philosophical serenity, to await his 
final summons. 

Genial under all circumstances, the General is admired by 
every one as the most remarkable living son of Schenectady ; 
and is especially esteemed as the oldest intimate friend of 
myself. 

The General was never married, so he can })robably only 
leave to posterity the monument of his honors, his virtues, 
his learning, unljending integrity and independent character. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 201 

Samuel, also a son of Jeremiah, born April 16th, 1795, was 
a graduate of Union College, completed his medical studies 
in the city of New York, and established himself as a phj-si- 
cian and surgeon in Chittenango, Madison county, in 1818, 
where lie continued to practice with much success and repu- 
tation until 186(3, when, with his family, he remov'ed to the 
city of New York, where he died the following year, in the 
73d year of his age. 

George Kendall, another son, born January 29th, 1799, was 
liberally educated, possessed of sound judgment, clear percep- 
tions, great moral courage, and generous temper. He came 
to reside in Chittenango about the year 1820, and soon 
became the general agent and superintendent of the extensive 
farming, mercantile, and manufacturing interests of Hon. 
John B. Yates at that place, and so continued imtil the decease 
of that gentleman in 1836 ; and so highly were his services and 
tidelity ap})reciated, that Mr. Yates left him by his will a 
legacy of $5,000, and appointed him one of its executors. 
He was engaged in the trust thus coniided to him until the 
final settlement of the estate, which, from unavoidable cir- 
cumstances, did not occur until 1852. Mr. Fuller died at 
Chittenango, May 9th, 1858, in his 60th year, unmarried, and 
the only son of Jeremiah, who was not a professional man. 

Richard, also a son, born October 28th, 1804, was a gradu- 
ate of Union College, and at one time a room-mate there of 
myself. I still remember, with melancholy pleasure, our 
genial intercourse and harmony during that period of young 
life. He was a practicing physician at Schenectady, and at 
one time Demonstrator of Anatomy in the Medical Depart- 
ment of Clinton College, at Fairfield, Herkimer county. A 
deep thinker and student, his life of promise and usefulness 
was cut otf by insidious disease, May 15th, 1837, at the early 
age of 33 years, much regretted by those who knew his ster- 
ling qualities. 

Edward, another son of Jeremiah,- born February 15th, 
1807, was a liberally educated gentleman, and completing 
his medical studies in New York, settling at Chittenango, he 
became a partner of his brother, Samuel, in 1824, acquiring 



202 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

an excellent repiitatiou for skill unci close attention to bnsi- 
nees. He retired from the practice in 1834, and amid the 
comforts of an ample fortune, died January 22d, 1877, aged 
about 70 years, universally respected. 

C/iCirles, aho a son, born April 1st, 1809, is a laAvyer, resid- 
ing and practiciug in the city of Schcuectady. 

Henry, imotJier son, born February 2d, 1811, was an attor- 
ney-at-law, practicing at Schenectady for several years, and 
from thence removed to the city of New York, continuing his 
profession there until his decease, Jaunary 6th, 1875. He 
was interred at Schenectady. 

James, another son, horn Juhj ^2Uh, 1814, is a gentleman of 
lil)eral education, sonnd law-knowledge, courteous manners, 
and extensive legal practice in the city of Schenectady, justly 
esteemed by the community for strict integrit}', and the con- 
scientious discharge of professional duties. Lawyers of that 
school are an honor to the profession, and I am happy to 
class him among my intimate friends. 

Robert, the youngest son of Jeremiah, born February 14th, 
1822, also a graduate of Union College, is a regularly prac- 
ticiug physician of Schenectady, of acknowledged skill and 
al)ility ; and within an unbending exterior holds a inetlow 
heart. His gratuitous services to the poor are subjects of 
remark by many, and of admiration to the philanthropist. 

Amelia Ann, a daughter of Jeremiah, born March 13th, 
1801 ; died October 27th, 1871. 

Ann, another daughter, born A})ril 21st, 1803 ; died June, 
1862. 

Elizabeth, the youngest daughter, is a lady of Hue taste and 
much historic learning, possessing a wonderfully tenacious 
memory, and talents of a high order ; but as she is now living 
in the full vigor of a well-spent life, I dare only add, all 
highly esteem Miss Fuller, who know her unpretending, 
quiet virtues and unostentatious goodness. And just at this 
point, I deem it proper to state that I am much indebted to 
the historic volume of Madison county, N. Y,, published by 
Mrs. L. M. Hammond, for much of the sketch of General W. 
K. Fuller's public services ; and also for my brief record 




,^v\\\Vk>.- 



EARLY SETTLERS. 203 

made of the success, in the walks of life, of the General's 
brothers— Samuel, George and Edward— and also as to the 
menu)ir of Hon. John B. Yates. 

Andrew Mitchell, a Scotchman, precisely when he came to 
Schenectady I cannot determine, but liiid that he was a mer- 
chant there in 1765, owning and occupying a house and lot 
on State street, the location of which is now inclosed in the 
premises of Mrs. Thomas B. Mitchell, on its west side. 

Mr. Mitchell was an ardent, patriot Whig during the Rev- 
olutionary War ; and for that whole period was a member of 
the Committee of Safety and its Secretary. It has been 
to me a source of pleasure to notice with hoAvmuch precision 
the minutes were kept by that enthusiastic son of liberty in 
those perilous days. 

Mr. Mitchell was the grandfather of our late esteemed 
citizen, Hon. Thomas B. Mitchell. 

Hon. Peter Roice. The Rowe family Avas of German 
origin ; they emigrated to this country at an early day, and 
settled at the " Boght,^'' one of the most beautiful and fertile 
localities in the i\Ioha^vk Valley. I have no data Avhereby 
to iix the precise time of their arrival in this country. The 
ancestor of the family owned and cultivated a large tract of 
these fertile lands. He was distinguished for learning and 
piety, and as a friend and })atron of the gospel ministers of 
that period. 

Peter Howe, son of Peter and Amey RoAve, Avas a grand- 
son of the first settler, and A\^as born March lUth, 1806. His 
father died during the same year, and owing probably to the 
prevailing ideas in favor of primogeniture, Mr. Rowe and his 
sister inherited no portion of his grandfather's valuable real 
estate, but Avere left to the sole care of their AvidoAved mother, 
an intelligent, kind-hearted and sensible lady, Avho, after the 
decease of her husband, removed to the city of Schenectady, 
and educated her two children in a manner creditable to herself, 
and Avith a care which in after years rendered them not only 
an honor to their parents, but a blessing to the city in Avhich 
they resided. 

Mr. RoAve, after having received a mathematical and clas 



204 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

sical education at the Schenectady Academy, devoted the 
early period of his life successfidly to mercantile pursuits, 
with the exception of time when he was employed as a clerk 
in the service of " Tlie Vtka and Schenectady Railroad Com- 
pany ^ 

He was elected Mayor of the city of Schenectady in 1846, 
and held the oifice for two successive terms. During his 
administration the city was well goveined, munici})al taxes 
were reduced, and at the expiration of his term the city was 
free from del)t. 

Inspired by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to obtain 
rest from the pursuits of business, during the year 1851 he 
visited the most important cities and interesting localities in 
Euroi)e. 

•' There is no royal road to knowledge^'' so says the proverb, 
and so experience teaches, whether we pursue it at home, or 
seek for it abroad ; the price therefor is toil and weariness. 
Sight-seeing in a foreign land must be purchased by the 
student of history and the arts, not only with ready coin 
expenditures, but often witli much labor, hard fare, and 
occasionally severe trials to patience, if he would reap the 
full reward of his enterprise. The continual change of scene 
and circumstances, through which he must necessarily pass, 
rapidly multii)lies the events of his life ; at every turn he 
sees new prospects and encounters new adventures ; his feet 
are scarcely ever off the dust upon which some of the stirring 
events of history have occurred, and his mind is constantly 
stimulated by the rememl>rance of those actors of the past, 
whose deeds have stamped with immortality the very land- 
scape that he looks upon. For whether traversing the fields 
of conflict, made memorable by the records of years gone by, 
or loitering in the galleries of art where genius, for the bene- 
fit of man, has deposited her choicest gifts, or standing 
beneath the arches of some ancient cathedral, where faith, for 
centuries, has unfurled her banner to redeem the world, 
knowledge flows in upon his soul, like the current of some 
mighty river into the waters of the sea, and he acquires, per- 
haps in the short si)ace of a few months, a greater amount of 



EARLY SETTLERS. 205 

information than he could have attained by years of study on 
the same subjects at a distance from the k)caHty of the actual 
scenes. The learned Doctor Johnson has eloquently said : 

" I envy not the man whose patriotism is not strengthened 
by standing on the plains of Marathon, or whose piety is not 
warmed by viewing the ruins of lona." 

Mr. Rowe was greatly improved as a scholar l)y his travels 
in Europe, and loved to dwell upon its incidents and expe- 
riences. Soon after his return, his financial abilities were 
called into requsition to assist in the business of consolidating 
several of the railroad companies in the State of New York 
into one corporate body, known as " The New York Central 
Railroad Oompanyy He was appointed chief auditor of 
accounts of that extensive corporation, and during the term 
of his service performed the responsible duties of that office 
to the entire satisfaction of his employers. 

He was elected a member of the Thirty-third Congress of 
the United States, from the Eighteenth Congressional dis- 
trict of New York, in the year 1852. As a member of this 
bodv, he distinguished himself by advocating a strict observ- 
ance of the constitutional rights of the several States of the 
Union. The bold and manly course which he pursued and 
maintained b}^ arguments in favor of the right of the people 
of the Southern States to occupy the government's terri- 
tories with their negro servants, so contrary at that time to 
the views expressed by his more wary colleagues from the 
North, endeared him to all the Southern members, and 
o-ained for him the respect and esteem of President Pierce 
and the members of his cabinet, who entertained the same 
views with regard to the constitutional rights of the peoi)le 
of the South ; and during Mr. Rowe's Congressional career, no 
government appointments of officers were made in the district 
which he represented, or in either of the adjoining districts, 
without his recommendation or approval ; and what must 
seem singular (in this day of derilection of official duty), no 
government officer who received an appointii.ent to office 
through Mr. Rowe's recommendation, ever proved recreant 
to his'duty or a defaulter to the Government. 



206 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

After the expiration of his Congressional term, he held no 
public office except that of President of " Vale Cemeteiy," 
an office which he had held for several years, and which he 
tilled at the time of his decease, Avhich occurred at the family 
homestead. April 17th, 1876. 

Mr. Rowe devoted much of his time gratuitously, during 
the latter period of his life, to the work of superintending 
the laying out, improving, and ornamenting the grounds of 
"Vale Cemetery," erecting therein a costly mausoleum, 
wherein his remains are now deposited beside those of his 
deceased relatives. He bequeathed to this " Vale Cemetery 
Association," at his decease, the sum of J^ive Thousand Dol- 
lars in Trnsl, to be invested at interest for a term of years, 
and at the end of that period the principal sum. with the 
accumidations thereon, to be used for the purpose of con- 
structing an iron fence around the cetnetery grounds. 

Mr. Rowe was public-spirited, a man of great moral 
courage, and an efi'ective debater. His opinions were the 
result of deliberate thought, and when formed were immuta- 
ble. His success in life may, in a great measure, be attributed 
to industry, economy, strict integrit}', and firmness of character. 

In the death of Mr. Rowe, Schenectady parted with an 
intelligent, enterprising and honorable citizen, highly esteemed 
by all who really knew him ; and myself, who valued him 
much as a friend, in a fair notice of him, could not well say 
less in honor of his memory. 

At this point I have redeemed my promise to venture no 
further in the direction of family histories and genealogies 
than to render my tribute to the early proprietors, pioneers 
and settlers of Schenectady, and their immediate descendants, 
for the first 100 years after its settlement commenced. For 
I know that family histories and genealogies to this date are 
beyond the compass of a single volume ; so, impartially, I 
close that Ijranch of my subject with Schenectady's Centen- 
nial year — believing myself to have preserved all that is most 
illustrious of her pioneer days and earliest historic life. 

And yet, when I glance at the material l)efore me, and turn 
over the leaves of tradition, history and memorj^ it seems ill 



EARLY SETTLERS. 207 

that later comers by a few years, who have added so much 
to the character, growth, wealth, beautiiicatioii, civilization, 
and health}' morals of Schenectady, do not come within 
the limit allowed me : such as the good James Dunlap, 
the ancestor of our lamented and scholarly Christian 
physician, Thomas Dunlap ; the disthiguished merchants, 
James Phyn, James, Thomas, Alexander, and Robert Ellice, 
who have had no superiors in the extent of their commercial 
dealings here, either in Schenectady's earlier or later day. 
They floated on all the Western lakes and upon the St. 
Lawrence, with boats laden from our store houses and 
wharves. The trade Ijetween Schenectady and Montreal was 
then large and direct, and one or two of the partners constantly 
resided at the latter city. Perhaps I may here remark 
properly, that with all the jealous flings in former days of 
rivalrv, sometimes thrown at our ancient and substantial city, 
from its earliest day, many large fortunes have been accumu- 
lated there. Its inland water communicati(ms, unequalled in 
their extensive spread, " until the coiistraction of the great 
Erie canal; " its rich valley and productive uplands, occu- 
pied by a solid, industrious and prosperous people, afforded 
abundant facilities to enterprising men. After the fall of 
(Quebec, and the consequent reduction of Canada. John 
Duncan and James Phyn, leading merchants of Montreal, 
immediately availed themselves of the favorable location, 
and after conducting an immense business under a partner- 
ship of a few years, John Duncan, the senior partner, retired, 
as we have shown, up(m a large fortune ; and the old busi- 
ness was continued under the firm of Phyn, Ellice & Co. 
Phyn became very wealthy, and after investing large sums 
in the purchase of lauds in Montgomery and Herkimer 
counties, particularly at the Little Falls, leaving his large 
landed estates in the charge of Bareut Bleecker, Esq., at Albany, 
retired to Montreal to spend the remnant of his days in luxu- 
rious affluence, where he died at a very advanced age. All 
the Ellices became rich : and, on the dissolution of the firm, 
went their various ways, except James, who married Miss 
Ann Adams, and resided at Schenectady, in his stately man- 



208 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY 

sioii for the times, on Front street, at the head of Chnrch, 
lately owned and occupied by Nicholas Cain, deceased. 

James Ellice died at Schenectady — the precise time I am 
luiable to fix ; but must have been previous to 1791, for on 
the 30th day of September, in that year, Hon. Joseph C. 
Yates, subsequently Governor of New York, married his 
widow. Of all these distinguished firms, after dissolution, 
only two members, John Duncan and James Ellice, continued 
to live at and eventuall}^ died at Schenectady. 

It would afford me genuine pleasure to pay my tribute to 
those eminent merchants and forwarders, Walton and 
De Graff, Eri Lusher & Co., the successors of the great 
firms of Duncan & Phyn, Pliyn, Ellice & Co., of those suc- 
cessful and time-honored merchants and citizens, James 
Walker, Wm. Lyman, Alexander Kelly, John and Robert 
Tamnahill, James Murdock, David Tomlinson, Charles Mar- 
tin, William Cunningham, Wm. McCamus, Charles, John and 
Andrew Mathews ; ol' those talented physicians and drug- 
gists, James and William Anderson, and Archibald Craig, of 
those high names that have adorned Union College and our 
pul^iits, or of the highly cultivated families of James Duane, 
Mrs. Anna Constable, Charles Kane, and the Bayards, who 
aided so much to elevate and polish the tone of Schenectady 
society ; but I regret they can only be mentioned, for I 
prize the history of good contributors to the success of the 
community in which they live ; and these are all bright exam- 
ples of Schenectady social lite and solidity. I agree, too, 
with Southey, ivhcre he says : 

" The history of any private family, however elevated or 
humble, could it be fairly related for five or six generations, 
would illustrate the state and progress of society better than 
the most elaborate dissertations." 



EARLY DAYS. 209 

CHAPTER VII. 
Early Days. 

Let me now return to Schenectady's earlier days. 

Swear Teimise Van Velsen. was the only one of the old 
l)roprietors who was killed at the burning of Schenectady in 
1G90, twenty-eight years after its first settlement. William Tel- 
ler, another proprietor, had a short time previously removed to 
New York, leaving his son John in charge of his interest, and 
Jacques Cornelise Van Slt/ck, also a proprietor, although he 
escaped the massacre, died of pulmonary disease a few months 
afterwards. All the remaining or other proprietors were 
resting, after the struggles of pioneer life, under the green 
sods of their own loved valley. 

I have, from the data within my reach, before stated, that 
the original proprietors had divided the first grant among 
themselves ; but as emigration and population increased, sales 
and transfers to new-comers and divisions among descend- 
ants, as usual in all new settlements, necessarily took place, 
and then came a cry for pasture land and a little more tillage 
ground. The village and vicinity had increased rapidly, and 
to breathe m<yre freely , these sagacious and earnest frontiers- 
men, for comfort's sake, required more room. Consequently, 
confidently backing up their application with an unusually 
valuable consideration, they applied to their friends, the gal- 
lant and generous Mohawks, and these noblemen of the 
woods, hills, streams and valleys of this beautiful region, 
being thereunto moved somewhat by afi'ection, and other valid 
considerations, certain of their chiefs, the representatives of the 
four Mohawk castles, for themselves and the true aiid lawful 
owners of the land in their deed mentioned, by their certain 
writing of sale, dated the 3d day of July, 1672, gave and 
granted unto Sander Leenderse Glen, Jan Van Eps, and 
Sweere Teunise Yan Velsen, as being empowered by the inhabi- 
tants of the town or village of Schenectady and places adja- 
14 



210 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

cent, for that purpose, a certain tract or parcel of land — 
beginning at the Mauquas river, by the town of Schenectady, 
and from thence runs westerly, on both sides up the river, to 
a certain place called by the Indians " Canaquariseny,^^ being 
reputed to be three Dutch or twelve English miles ; and 
from the said town of Schenectad}', down the river, one 
Dutch or four English miles, to a kill or creek called ''Ael 
Plass,^^ and from the said Marquass river into the woods, 
south towards Albany to the Sand Kill, one Dutch mile, and 
as much on the other side of the river north, being one Dutch 
mile more. This Indian title was confirmed b}^ Governor 
Dougan, in 1684, in which confirmation all the recitals of the 
Indian title are contained, and gives, grants, and confirms 
unto William Teller, Ryer Schermerhorn, Sweer Teunisen, 
Jan Van Eps, and Myndert Wemp, on behalf of the inhab- 
itants of the town of Schenectady and places adjacent therein, 
their associates, heirs, successors and assign^, the before-recited 
tract and tracts, etc., as therein contained, reserving as a quit- 
rent, for the use of his Royal Highness, forty bushels of good 
winter wheat, to be paid at Albany on the 25th day of March 
in each year thereafter. T/ti's is the true boundary of the 
original township and subsequent city of Schenectady, and 
represents the present city and the towns of Rotterdam and 
Glenville, as they now exist. It seems proper to publish this 
foundation title entire, as intimately connected with Schenec- 
tady's earl}' history, later struggles, and strange events. (See 
Appendix B.) 

Of these five trustees, three — Sweer Teunise Van Velsen, 
Jan Van Ejps, and Myndert Wemp — were killed at the burn- 
ing of Schenectady in 1690. William Teller had removed 
to New York in 1692, leaving Ryer Schermerhorn the only 
surviving actor of the trust. He, being such surviving trus- 
tee in 1705, was complained of by a large number of the citi- 
zens for exercising arbitrary power over the town afiairs, and 
rendering no account of his proceedings. These discontents 
resulted in an application to Lord Cornbury, Governor-in- 
Chief, who, by a new patent dated April 16th, 1705, appointed 
Peter Schuyler, John Alexander Glen, Adam Vrooman, 



EARLY DAYS. 211 

Daniel Johnson and John Baptist Van Eps new trustees, with 
full powers to call llyev Schemierhorn, the old trustee, to 
account, etc. It will be ol^served that, in this grant, Ryer 
Schemierhorn being the party to account, his name was omit- 
ted as a trustee, and that of Peter Schuyler, a new resident, 
introduced. 

But to quiet angry dissensions among the citizens, and for 
other sufficient reasons, another patent was issued by Honor- 
able Eobert Hunter, then Governor, on the 6th day of No- 
vember, 1714, superseding the trustees appointed in 1705, 
and appointing, in their stead, Ryer Schemierhorn, Jan 
Wemp, Johannis Teller, Arent Bradt and Barent Wemp as 
trustees. 

Of those trustees, R3'er Schemierhorn died February 19th, 
1719 ; John Teller died May 28th, 1725 ; Barent Wemp 
died in 1748; and Jan Wemp died October 11th, 1749, 
leaving Arent Bradt as the sole survivino: trustee in 1749. 
This Arent Bradt was the individual who built the ancient 
house No. 7 State street ; and, after Ijeiug a trustee for fit'ty- 
tAvo consecutive years, dying in 1767, left a will appointiug 
liis successors — of which a copy is given. (See Appendix " C") 

The persons so named in his will, or their successors, con- 
tinued as such trustees until the city charter was granted, 
March 26th, 1798, Avhen all their powers passed into the 
hands of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city 
of Schenectady. 

Previous to this (2od Octoljer, 1765), Schenectady was 
created a borough, with the rights and immunities incident 
to snch corporations, contained in an exceedingly detailed 
charter of forty-eight pages, now treasured among the archives 
of the Common Council ; and under that charter Isaac Vroo- 
man. Esq. (a grandson of the gallant Adam Vrooman, our 
hero of 1690), was the first mayor, and John Duncan, Esq. 
(our distinguished trader), the first Recorder ; and Schenec- 
tady was entitled to send a member to the Provincial Legis- 
lature. Westchester was the only other borough town in the 
Colony entitled to like privileges. 

At this point it seems fitting to make mention of some old 



212 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

residents, who honorably held office in early days. It certainly 
is interesting to myself, and may be to some of their descend- 
ents. I shall make no note subseqnent to the time of the 
adoption of the second New York State Constitution, in 
Feln-uary, 1822 (of the Convention that formed which, John 
Sanders, the father of this writer, and Henry Yates, Jr., were 
members), for all after that period belongs to Schenectady's 
later days. 

Martin Krigier v^as a delegate 26th November, 1653, to 
the tirst Convention ever held in the New Netherlands. 

Ludovkiis Cobes was Sheritt' of Albany county (Shenec- 
tady forming a part), 1679. 

Ludovicus Cobes was Count}^ Clerk of Albany county 
(Schenectady forming a part), 1669. 

Jan Janse ficJiermerhorn was member of Leisler's Assembly 
in 1690. 

Karl Hansen Toll was member of the General Assembly 
in 16^15, M^. 

Jacob Glen was member of the General Assemljly in 1726, 
1727, 1728, 1737, 1748, 1750. 

Arent Bradt was member of the General Assembly in 1737, 
1743, 1745, 1748. 

Abraham Glen was member of the General Assembly in 
1743, 1745. 

Nicliolas Schuyler was member of the General Assembly 
in 1727, 1728. 

Jacob Van Slyck was nicm])er of the General Assembly in 
1750, 1752. 

Isaac Vrooman was memljer of the General Assembly in 
1759, 1761. 

llyer SchennerJiorn was member of the General Assembly 
in 1761. 

Jacobus Mynderse was member of the General Assembly 
in 1752, 1759, 1768, 1775. 

Nicholas Groot was member of the General Assembly in 
1761, 1768. 

Henry Glen was member of the First, Second and Third 
Provincial Congress, 1775, 1776. 



EARLY DAYS. 213 

Henry Glen wus meniljor of As.semblj- in 1786, 1787 and 
1810. 

Hennj Glen was member of Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth 
Congress of the United States from 1793 to 1802. 

Harmanm Peek was member of Sixteenth Congress of 
the United States from 1819 to 1821. 

William Worth was member of the Assembly 1792, 1794, 
1795, 1796, and 1810, and several times Speaker of that 
body. In 1798, during a recess of the Legislature, he 
was appointed a Senator of the United States by Governor 
John Jay, to till a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of 
John Closs Hoburt, appointed Judge of the United States 
District Court New York. During the Revolutionary War 
General North was the Aid of Baron Steuben. 

Joseph Shurtlijf was member of Assembly, 1798, 1799, 
1800, 1802, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, and 1813. 

James Boyd was member of Assembly, 1811, 1812.'' 

John yo«?ip' was member of Assembly, 1811, 1812. 

Alexander Combs was member of Assembly, 1812, 1813. 

Joseph 8hurllijf was member of Assembly, 1812, 1813. 

Abraham Van Ingen was member of Assembly, 1814. 

Lawrence Uroo?«an Avas member of Assembly, 1814, 1815. 

JoJin P7cto7-y was member of Assembly, 1815, 1817. 

Harmanus Peek was member of Assembly, 1816. 

Harry Fryer was member of Assembly, 1816. 

Harmanus Van Slyck was member of Assembly, 1817. 

Daniel L. Van. Antwerjj was member of Assembly, 1818. 

Simon A. FeetZer was member of Assembly, 1818. 

James Frost was member of Assembly, 1819. 

Simon A. Groot was member of Assembly, 1819. 

Christian Haverly was member of Assembly, 1820. 

Marinus Willett was member of Assembly, 1820. 

Richard McMichael was member of Assembly, 1821. 

Gernt Veeder was member of Assembly, 1821. 

James Walker was member of Assembly, 1822. 

John F. D. Veeder was member of Assembly, 1822. 

Robert Yates was a lawyer of eminence. He was a mem- 
ber of the First, Second, Third and Fourth Provincial Congress 



214 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

of New York ; was a member of the lirst Convention of New 
York, in 1777, to form a Constitution, and a menil)er of the 
committee to draft it ; was an Associate Justice of the 
Supreme Court of New York, and finally its Chief Justice ; 
his term expired by the constitutional limit of sixty years. 
He was a member of the Convention of 1788 to ratify the 
Federal Constitution. 

Rinier Mywlerse was Senator under the lirst Constitution, 
1777 to 1781. 

John Sanders was Senator under the first Constitution, 
171)1), 1800, 1801, 1802, and member of the Council of 
Appointment in 1800. His associates were De Witt Clinton, 
Ambrose Spencer and John Roseboom. John Jay was then 
Govei'uor and presiding officer. 

Simon Veeder was Senator under the first Constitution 
from 1804 to 1806. 

Joseph O. I^fli^e** was Senator under the first Constitution 
from 1806 to 1808, when his seat became vacant by accept- 
ing a seat of Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of 
New York. He became Governor of the State in 1822. 

Henry Yates, Jr., was a Senator under the first Consti- 
tution from 1810 to 1814, and from 1818 to 1822. He was 
also a memljer of the Council of Appointment in 1812, 1818, 
when Daniel D. Tompkins was Governor. 

Gerrit S. Veeder was the first Judge of the Schenectady 
Court of Common Pleas, appointed soon after the organization 
of the county in 1809. 

William James Teller was the first Surrogate appointed 
in 1809. 

Henry Yates, Jr., and John Sanders were the first mem- 
bers from Schcnectatly county to the Convention to form 
the second Constitution for New York, and after its adop- 
tion in Fcljruary, 1822. Oflicers belong to the history of 
Schenectady's latter days. 

As I have already stated, Schenectady was chartered as a 
city, March 26th, 1798, and its corpoj-ate title was 'Uhe 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of Seheneetady, 
and in its area was one of the largest cities known to any age — 



EARLY DAYS. 



215 



twelve miles in length, by eight in breadth. The First Ward 
embraced all that compact part of it lying between Union 
street and the Mohawk river ; the Second Ward, that part 
lying sonth of Union street and extending a short distance 
upon the Bonwlandt ; the Third Ward, what is now the 
town of Kotterdani ; and the Fourth Wa7'd, what is now the 
town of Glenville, 

By the charter, the jNIayor was to be appointed by the 
Governor and Council, and each ward was entitled to elect 
two aldermen and two assistants. Hon. Joseph C. Yates was 
the lirst Mayor, a man then noted for legal ability, and sub- 
sequently more distinguished as a Supreme Court Judge and 
Governor of the State of New York. As it has, in this con- 
nection, been interesting to me and may be to others, I insert 
the names and the periods of service of those who have tilled the 
dignitied oliice of Mayor since the city charter was granted : 



1798. 


Josei)h C. Yates. 


1846. 


Peter Rowe. 


1808. 


John Yates. 


1848. 


James E. Van Home. 


1810. 


Abraham Oothout. 


1850. 


Peter Rowe. 


1811. 


John Yates. 


1851. 


Mordecai Myers. 


1813. 


Maus Schermerhorn. 


1852. 


Abraham A. Van Vorst. 


1817. 


Henry Yates, Jr. 


1854. 


Mordecai Myers. 


1825. 


Isaac M. Schermerhorn. 


1855. 


Abel Smith. 


1826. 


David Boyd. 


1857. 


Benjamin V. S. Vedder. 


1828. 


Isaac M. Schermerhorn. 


1858. 


Alexander M. Vedder. 


1831. 


Archibald L. Linn. 


1859. 


David P. Forrest. 


1832. 


John J. De Graff. 


1860. 


Benjamin F. Potter. 


1837. 


Samuel W. Jones. 


1861. 


Arthur W. Hunter. 


1839. 


Archibald L. Linn. 


1865. 


Andrew McMuUen. 


1840. 


Alexander C. Gibson. 


1869. 


Abraham A. Van Vorst. 


1842. 


John J. De Graft". 


1871. 


William J. Van Home. 


1843. 


Alexander C. Gibson. 


1873. 


Arthur W. Hunter. 


1845. 


John J. De Graff. 


1875. 


, Peter B. Yates.* 



* Note.— Mayor Yates died on the 4th of July, 1876, while in office, and 
was succeeded by William Howes Smith, Esq., who was Recorder at the 
time of Mayor Yates' decease, and took the vacancy by virtue of that posi- 
tion, which he has ever since filled with ability. 



216 [history of SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

CHAPTEE VII r. 
Area. 

To return to the extent of the city of Schenectady. Its 
area was too great for the comfort of its mixed pnpnhition. 
The diversity of interests of the Third and Fourth coimtry 
wards (containing many square miles of land, and at that 
time, 1820, an agricultural population of about 3,000), and 
those of the inhabitants residing in the compact part of the 
city, were conflicting and often created great and constantly 
increasing difliculties in the transacting of public affairs and 
the management of their common property, consisting of some 
real estate in the compact wards, and of many thousand 
acres of land in the agricultural wards. Wherefore the 
inhabitants of the contesting sections, as also the Mayor, 
Aldermen and Commonalty of the Cit}^ with great unanim- 
ity, by their several petitions applied to the Legislature for a 
law to erect the aforesaid Third and Fourth wards into sepa- 
rate towns; leaving the First and Second wards compact as the 
city, and for an equitable division of the common lands and 
property according to population. 

This act was passed accordingto their prayer, on the 14th day 
of April, 1820 (see Session Laws, New York, 1820), and under 
its provisions Lawrence Vrooman, of Niskayuna, James Frost, 
of Duanesburgh, and John Schuyler, Jr., of Watervliet, three 
skillful surveyors, were appointed commissioners for the ]Dur- 
pose of making division and partition of their common prop- 
erty among the several parties, which was eventually accom- 
plished to the satisfaction of all interested, and our old city 
retained its urban popuhition with reasonable bounds. Time 
has evidenced that the dismemberment was mutually advan- 
tageous to city and country, and is so appreciated l)y both. 
But this severing oft' of two large towns, Rotterdam and 
Glenville, with about 3,000 of population, on taking our next 
census, gave to the outside world, who did not comprehend 



AREA. 217 

its cause, the iinfortiinute belief that our ancient city was 
retrograding. 

In point of fact, this was never so. Our old home has 
uniformily advanced in wealth, prosperity and population. 
True, not with the strides of other cities, fostered with a 
heavy tide of emigration, and fortunate circumstances in 
combination ; but with the steady, solid tread of the Holland 
nature — slow, but sure. Then, too, as a frontier town, in its 
early history, Schenectady was desolated by tire and sword, 
rising again from its ashes on the same spot of destruction 
and disaster, indicate clearly the hardy and indomitable 
ancestry from whom many of our people have descended ; 
but their losses had been so severe the recovery was 
necessarily slow. Schenectady was destroyed by the French 
and Indians on the night of the 8th and the morning of Feb- 
ruary 9th, 1690, audit seems to me due to the sad occasion, 
and the line of this little history, that some account should 
be rendered of that brutal outrage and dire calamity. 

It occurred about the time of the accession of William and 
Mary, when Jacob Leisler, a wealthy merchant and influen- 
tial politician of New Tork, had usurped the government in 
their names ; and backed up by the popular Protestant 
frenzy, that all those icJio liad held office under James were 
Papists, removed every old officer, and ap})ointed the devo- 
tees of himself and son-in-law, Milborne, in their stead. It 
was truly a time of disobedience, distraction, wild riot and 
disorder. Schenectady itself ivas strongly Leisleriun. I wish 
not to enter into detail, but it is clearly a matter of history 
and tradition that John Alexa^ider Glen, commandant of the 
place, and a justice of the township, residing at Scotia, ^vas 
not allowed to enter the village under any circumstances, his 
life threatened, and in derision of his advice to guard and 
close the gates ; so great was their confidence of security from 
attack in. the depth of that unusually severe winter, that the 
Leislerians formed men of snow, and set one at each gate, as 
a sufficient protection. Captain Alexander Glen, John Alex- 
ander's brother, a resident of the village, and also Justice of 
the Peace, was obliged to take refuge at Albany; and many 



218 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

prominent men of the province were compelled to seek an 
jisylnm in New England, 

There was, at the time of the conflagration and massacre, 
a garrison of 24 men (to whom the Leislerians were inimi- 
cal), stationed at a ]K)int now called the Old Fort, situated at 
the junction of what is now Front, Ferry and Green streets, 
under Lieutenant Enos Talmadge, of Connecticut. From 
the earliest date of its erection, this spot, and none other, of 
Schenectady, has been designated as the Fort, It was 
destroyed in 1690 ; a new fort was built in 1700, rebuilt in 
1735, and again in 1780. I have been unable to ascertain 
from any source what Avas the precise extent of either of the 
forts. The parade ground embraced the small public square, 
and some vacant lots lying between Front street and the 
jn-emises now belonging to and occupied by the Episcopal 
Church. 

Although called a Fort, it seems, from investigations made 
by me, to have been the barrack station of an exposed fron- 
tier town, enlarged at difl'erent periods to suit the necessities 
of the times, but probal)ly mounted a few cannon. I am not 
clear about that. 

During the French AVar (so-called), many soldiers were 
stationed at Schenectady and in its vicinity as a place of ren- 
dezvous. In the spring of 1759, General Prideaux, a strict 
disciplinarian, to shut off his troops from the temptations of 
Schenectady life, for several weeks, with two Highland regi- 
me7iis, occupied the plateau Avest of the Scotia mansion, await- 
ing a favorable season and the readiness of Sir William John- 
son, Avith his provincials and Indians, to move on Fort 
Niagara, That plateau is known as the camj) down to this 
day ; and citizens, living previous to the Revolutionary War, 
but now deceased — my father among the number — have 
stated that Captain Horatio Gates and Lieut.-Colonel Charles 
Lee, both British officers, the one, subsequently, Genend 
Gates, immortalized as the captor of Burgoyne at Saratoga ; 
and the other. General Lee, with an eccentric temper and 
jealous disposition (having seen much service under Burgoyne 
in Fortuiial, Braddock in Viriiinia, and Abercronibie in 



AREA. 219 

Ticondcroga), was probably the most brilliant, experienced 
and highly-educated officer of the American Revohitionary 
army. So that the old Fort, whatever its dimension was, 
has an early and signiticant history. 

It is well known that Schenectady was destroyed in 1690, 
about one Jmndred a7id eigldy-eigld years since. With great 
interest and care, I have perused the different accounts of 
that dreadful sacritice. The account entered in Mortgage 
Book B, in the county clerk's office, Albany, on the 9th of 
February (Doc. His. of N. Y., Vol. I, p. 302, etc.), the day 
after the destruction ; also the letters of Leisler on the sub- 
ject to the respective Governors of Maryland and Massachu- 
setts, of date March 4th, 1690 ; and of Robert Livingston to 
Sir Edmund Andross, of date 14th April, 1690 (Doc.His. of 
N. Y., Vol. I, }). 307, etc.), all agreeing as to the time of 
the occurrence, as to sixty persons being slain, twenty-seven 
carried into captivity, and live houses being spared ; and in 
the fact that it was a total surprise, there being no watch 
kept (the inhal)itants being so negligent and refractory). 
Livingston says : " The houses were saved by Captain Sander 
(John Alexander Glen), whom they did not touch, having 
express command to meddle with none of his relations, for 
his wife's sake, who had always been kind to French prison- 
ers." Livingston further says: "The people of that town 
were so ))ig()ted to Leisler that they would not obey any of 
the magistrates, neither would they entertain the soldiers 
sent thither by the Convention at all ; nothing but men sent 
from Leisler would do their turn ; and when Captain Sander 
commanded, they threatened to burn him upon the lire if he 
came upon guard." 

Indeed, from all the accounts rendered, that winter night 
of February 8th must have been one of extreme suffering 
and heart-rending desolation ; but all of its inhabitants were 
neither slaughtered nor captured. Schenectady then contained 
eighty dwellings; assuming that each house held live individ- 
uals (a moderate estimate), it must have contained about 400 
inhal)itants. And what became of them ? They escaped, it 
is true, but where 9 It is idle to suppose, as has been some- 



220 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

times stated, that they fled twenty miles off to Albany in their 
night garments, on that severe night, with the snow more 
than a foot deep. No, there is too much romance in that 
connnonly received opinion, and it is not borne out by the 
knowledge of the old settlers. They fled ofl' to, and were 
protected by, their friends and nearest neighbors. The 
Mohawk Flats, on both sides of the river, were settled as far 
Avest as to what is now called Hottinan's Ferry, and down the 
river east on both sides to the manor line, and the Ael Plass 
creek. There is but one authenticated and l)elieved case of 
flight and arrival at Albany, during that terrible night of 
storm and misery. 

Simon Schennerhorne (the brother of Il3'er), at five o'clock 
on the morning of the 9th, brought the sad news to Albany 
by way of Niskayuna. He had himself been shot through 
the thigh, and his horse wounded in the daring eflbrt. It was 
a noble struggle of life and death to rescue his distressed 
friends and relatives. On that disastrous night, too, his son 
John and three negro slaves were killed before he escaped. 

It is said, in our home accounts, that only one of the enemy, 
^'■Lieutenant La Marque De Montigny,^^ was injured during 
the sack, and that was by the thrust of a spear in the hands 
of the intrepid Adam Vrooman. This is more mild than the 
French account ; and, indeed, in the then troubled state of 
the Province, our own accounts are sparse, mixed and unsat- 
isfactory. I find the account of Monsieur De Monseignat, 
Comptroller-General in Canada, addressed to Madam De 
Maintenon (Paris Doc. lY, Doc. His. N. Y. Yol. 1, p. 297, 
etc.), much more lucid, satisfactory and historical, and so 
nearly agreeing with the statements handed down by^ the 
Glens and other survivors of that dreadful occasion, that I 
adopt it as the most reliable and correct relation. And 
therefore, in this connection, I extract from it so much as is 
l)ertinent and may interest the citizens ot this old historic 
ground, as follows : 

" This detachment, which formed at Montreal, was com- 
posed of 210 men, viz., 80 Mohawks from fhe Sauli, 16 
Algonquins from La Montagne, and the remainder French- 



AREA. 221 

men, all under the command of the Sieur Le Moyne do Sainte 
Helena and Lieutenant Baillehout de Mantet, both of whom 
were Canadians. The Sieurs Le Moyne de Il)erville and 
Repentigny de Monterson commanded under them ; tlie Sieurs 
de Bonrepos, de la Brosse, Le Moyne de Bhiinville, Le Bert du 
Chene, and *La Marque de Montigny served as volnnteers." 
(Some of those Canadian and volunteer officers subsequently 
became much distinguished in the early French settlements of 
Frontenac, Detroit, and those along the Ohio and Mississippi 
rivers. The great Count Frontenac selected them with care. 
Sieur Le Moyne de Sante Helene and his brothers Sienr Le 
Moyne de Iberville, and Sieur Le Moyne de Bienville, were 
the sons of the celebrated negotiator, Charles Le Moyne, of 
Montreal. The former was a distinguished French naval 
oificer, killed in the defense of Quebec in the latter part of 
1699, defended by Frontenac, when that place was besieged 
by the men of the New England Colonies under Sir 
William Phips. The second ))rotlier, de Iberville, discovered 
the mouth of the Mississippi in 1699, when he founded the 
first French Colon}^ and commenced what is now the city of 
New Orleans in 1717. The third brother died fighting the 
Mohawks on Canada soil in 1691. 

"They took their departure from Montreal in the month of 
January. After having marched five or six days, they called 
a council to determine the route they should follow, and the 
point they should attack. The Indians demanded of the French 
what was their intention. Messieurs De Sainte Helene and 
Mantet replied, that they had left in the hope of attacking 
Orange (Albany), if possible, as it is the capital of New York, 
and a place of considerable importance, though they had no 
orders to that eftect ; but generally to act according as they 
should judge on the spot of their chances of success, without 
runnino; too much risk. This appeared to the savages some- 
what rash ; and as the Indians had an intimate acquaintance 
with the localities, and more experience than the French, they 
could not agree with the latter as to the i)oint of attack ; so 
it was determined to postpone coming to a conclusion until 
the party should arrive at the spot where the two routes 



222 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

separate — the one leading to Orange (All^any) and the other 
to Corlear (Schenectady). (This point was Ticonderoga.) 
They had followed the direct ronte of the Chevalier Cham- 
plain. In the course of the journey, which occupied eight 
days, the Frenchmen judged proper to diverge towards Cor- 
lear, according to the advice of the Indians. > 

" Nine days more elapsed, having experienced inconceiv- 
able difficulties, being obliged to march up to their knees in 
water, and to break the ice with their feet in order to find a 
solid footing. When they arrived within two leagues (six 
miles) of Schenectady, about four o'clock in the afternoon, 
they Avere harangued by the great jNIohawk chief (Agnier), 
from the Sault. This savage Avas, without contradiction, the 
most considera])le of his tribe, an honest man, as full of spirit, 
prudence and generosity as was possible, and capable of the 
"•randest undertakino;s. 

" Shortly afterwards four squaws were discovered in a 
wigwam, who gave every information necessary for the attack 
on the town. The fire found in their hut served to warm 
those who were benumbed, and the party then continued 
their route, having previously detached Giguieres, a Canadian, 
Avith nine Indians, on the look out. 

" They discovered no one, and returned to the main ))ody, 
within three miles of Schenectady. At eleven o'clock that 
night, the party came within sight of the town, and resolved to 
defer the assault until two o'clock next morning , but the 
excessive cold admitted of no delay, and the advance Avas 
made immediately. 

" The town of Corlear (^Schenectadij) forms a sort of 
oblong, Avith only two gates, one opposite the road Ave had 
taken (at the junction of Ferry and Front streets, near the 
Fort), and the other (at the junction of Ferry and State 
streets), leading to Orange (^Albany), only six leagues distant. 
Messieurs De Sainte Plelene and De Mantct, Avere to enter at 
the first, Avhich the squaAVs had pointed out, and Avhicli Avas 
found in fact wide open. While Messieurs de Iberville and 
De Montesson took the left Avitli another detachment,- in order 
to make themselves masters of that leadinii; to Oranoe • but 



AREA. 223 

they could not discover it, und returned to the remainder of 
the party. A profound silence was everywhere observed 
until the two commanders, who separated at their entrance into 
the town for the purpose of encircling it, had met at the 
other extremity, when the signal of attaclv was given, Indian 
fashion, and the entire force rushed on simultaneously. 

" M. De Mantet placed himself at the head of a detach- 
ment and reached a small fort, where the garrison was under 
arms. The gate was burst open after much difficulty, the 
place set on tire, and all who defended it slaughtered." 

(Note. — -It may be true that those who defended the place were slaug-h- 
teved, for Lieut. Talmadge, Serg-eant Church, and tive of their men, were 
killed ; but of the original garrison, twenty-four, three were subsequently 
carried into captivity, and it is but reasonable to believe, that at that dis- 
orderly time of false security, those not killed were not in the fort at the 
time of the attack, or found means to escape, in common with hundreds of 
the citizens.) 

Monsieur De Monseignat continues : " The sack of the 
town began a moment before the attack on the fort ; few houses 
made any resisttuice. M. De Montigny discovered one which 
he attempted to carry, sword in hand, having tried the 
musket in vain. He received two thrusts of a spear, one in 
the body and the other in his arm, l)ut M. de Saint Helene 
having come to his aid, effected an entrance, and put every 
one who defended that house to the sword." 

That gallant, I may well say desperately daring defense, 
Avas made by Adam Vrooman and his wife Angelicji, ivho ivas 
slaiit, at what was then, and is still, the nortliwest corner of 
Church and Front streets, now the property of the heirs of 
Jeremiah Fuller, deceased. Notwithstanding the Monseignat's 
account that all the defenders Avere put to the sword, Adam 
Vrooman, the real hero, and one of the most intrepid, enter- 
prising and successful citizens Schenectady has ever claimed, 
lived, "for more than forty years after that time, a prosperous, 
distinguished and honorable life. But as I cannot properly 
reiterate for the particulars of the defense of his dwelling, 
its connected circumstances, and many interesting data of 
this baave man's eventful life, I must refer the reader to a 



224 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

biographical sketch of himself and his earlier desceiidents, 
to be found at pages 61, etc., of this historical sketch, assured 
that it cannot but be interesting to all descendants of the old 
settlers. 

Resuming my extract from Monsieur Monseignat's account, 
he writes : " The massacre lasted two hours; the remainder 
of the night was passed in placing sentinels and taking repose. 
The house belonging to the minister was ordered to be saved, 
so as to take him alive and obtain information; but as it was 
not known, it ivas not spared, and he was slain and his papers 
burned before he could be recognized." 

" At day-break some men were sent to the dwelling of 
Mr. Coudre (the Indian name of John Alexander Glen), who 
was Mayor of the place, and lived at the other side of the 
river ; but he was not willing to surrender to them, and began 
to put himself on the defensive, with his servants and some 
Indians. Yet, as it was resolved not to do him any harm, in 
consequence of the good treatment that the French had 
formerly experienced at his hands, M. de Iberville, and the 
great Mohawk (Agnier), proceeded thither alone, promised 
him quarter for himself, his people and property. Where- 
upon he laid down his arms on parole, entertaining them in 
his fort, and returned with them to see the commandants of 
the town. Only two houses were spared in the town — one 
belonging to Coudre, and another, whither M. de Montigny 
had been carried when wounded." All the rest were consumed 
(our accounts say five were spared; might not this include 
some outside of the palisades) ? " Tiie lives of between 50 
and GO persons, old men, women and children, were spared, 
they having escaped the first fury of the attack. The loss 
on this occasion, in houses, cattle and grain, amounts to more 
than 400,000 livres. There were upwards of 80 well-built, 
and well-furnished houses in the town." 

(Our accounts make no mention of losses sustained by the 
enemy.) Monseignat continues : " The return, march com- 
menced with 30 })risoners. The wounded, who were to be 
carried, and the plunder, with which all the Indians and some 
Frenchmen, were loaded, caused considerable inconvenience. 



AREA. 225 

Fifty good horses were brought aw:iy; 16 only of these reached 
]\Ioiitreal, and the remainder were killed for food on the road. 
The part}' arrived at Montreal after many days of fatigue and 
suffering. 

" Such, Madame, is the account of what j)assed at the 
taking of Corlaer. The French lost but 21 men, viz. : 
4 Indians and 17 Frenchman. Only one Indian and one 
Frenchman were killed at the capture of the town. The 
others were lost on the road." (Nothing is said of the num- 
ber wounded on the assault, although M. de Montigny 
certainly was.) This letter was written with great care to 
Madame De Maintenon, as scholars well know the almost 
ruling power of France in those latter days of Louis the 
XIV. The magnificent King ! Tongue cannot describe, nor 
the most graphic pen picture the horrors of that terrible 
night of surprise, cruelty and ruin, as they fell upon the 
careless, but peacefully slumbering citizens of Schenectady ! 
Reckless, but frenzied Protestants ! 

The family of Swear (Ahasueras) Teunise Van Vehen, a 
wealthy citizen, was exterminated, ; some heads of families 
were killed, and every family by slaughter, captivity or loss 
of property, sufi'ered severely. Indeed, this beautiful valley, 
and our now delightful home, was shrouded in the darkest 
habiliments of woe. As many surviving descendants may be 
interested in the sufterings of these hardy pioneers, I annex 
a list of the killed and captured, taken from Doc. His. N. Y., 
Vol. I, page o04, etc. (See Appendix D.) 

Nor was this the only severe calamity that befell Sche- 
nectady in the massacre of its inhabitants. In 1748, the 
French were in full possession of the fortification at Crown 
Point, on Lake Champlain ; and, being in considerable force, 
would send out occasional detachments of whites and Indians 
to annoy the border settlements. Such was the constant 
apprehension of the frontiersmen, that they generally cari-ied 
fire-arms with them for defense or game. It was under such 
circumstances that a body of inhabitants, mostly from the 
country, yet some from the city, npon invitation, as is usual 
upon such occasions, on the 18th day of July, 1748, attended 
15 



226 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

the raising of the fnime for a l^arn 50 by 60 feet, constructed 
of heavy, yellow pine timbers, still in excellent state of preser- 
vation, as has been seen by myself within a few weeks past, 
at the time of raising being on the farm of Nicholas De 
Graff, who lived in the old, red, frame dwelling-house yet 
standing adjacent to the Sacandaga turnpike, at a point 
called ''BmhendaV (Beech Valley), now owned by and not 
far from the residence of Philip li. Toll, Esq., in Glenville, 
distant about three miles from Schenectady. 

Those friends, to the number of forty, were engaged in their 
work, not suspecting the vicinity of an enemy (although 
Cai)tain Daniel Toll and his hired man. Dirk Van Vorst, 
while hunting for strayed horses, had been barbariously 
murdered at a place called the " Klayhidl,^'' not more than 
about one-half of a mile dstant north from Beukendal, on 
the morning of the same day), when they were attracted by 
a noise resembling that of wild turkeys, a choice game then 
common in tJiis section, a sound which the Indians could imitate 
almost naturally. Clearly deceived, most of them seized 
their guns, rushed up the valley from whence the sounds 
proceeded, and miserably fell into an ambuscade of more than 
100 French and Indians. 

Before those not massacred, numbering eleven, could reach 
the shelter of De Graff's dwelling, twenty-six were left dead 
and subsequently scalped at or near the place of ambush ; 
among them Nicholas De Graff, the proprietor of the prem- 
ises. It seems to me a strange and severe fatality that only 
about two years before, October 30th, 1746, on this same 
farm, Abraham De Graff, the father, and Witliam De Graff, 
the brother of Nicholas, were taken captive by similar enemies 
and carried to Canada. Abraham dying at Quebec Avas 
buried there ; and we have no evidence existing that AVil- 
liam ever returned. 

The party in the dwelling-house under Simon Toll, a 
brother of Captain Daniel, made a gallant defense, and held 
out heroically until relieved by reinforcements. 

The firing having been heard by Adrian Van" Slyck, a 
brother-in-law of Simon and Captain Daniel, who, it seems, 



AREA. 227 

resided at a place between the point of firing and the town, he 
sent his colored man express to Schenectad}^ who promptly 
gave the alarm, and the brave Adrian himself soon rallied 
his immediate neighbors. 

Fonr parties of armed men successively repaired to the 
scene of disaster and conflict, in the following order : 

1st. Daniel Van Slt/ck and a New England lieutenant, with 
some of his men, and live or six citizens. 

2d. AnlJiony Van iSlf/ck, with a party. 

3d. Adrian Van Shjck, with a few country neighbors. 

4th. Colonel Jacob Glen, commandant, with the main 
forces (all the militia he could rally, numbering about 80), 
on whose arrival the enemy drew ofi", but not until the brave 
and impetuous Adrian Van Sli/ck, the grandson of the old 
proprietor, Jacques Van Slyck, had been slain. 

The enemy assaulted the De Graft' dwelling from behind 
the brow of a hill adjacent, and were protected by it, and 
several times attempted to set the house on fire, without suc- 
cess, the defense was so determined. Only one of the ]>rave 
defenders was injured, an Ir^ishman, whose name has simply 
been handed down as ''Cork,'' — probably in Dutch fashion 
designating the place of his birth. One of his jaAV-boncs was 
broken. 

The defense of the house was gallant, and the Dutch of 
that early day were sharp marksmen, but under the Indian 
mode of carrying oft' their dead and wounded, it is impossible 
to determine what loss the invaders sustained ; except this, 
that several days after the massacre, at a point about three 
miles distant north from the De Graft" dwelling, a warrior 
was found, grim in death, seated, with his back braced 
against a large oak tree ; a wooden bowl of food on his lap ; 
his musket, tomahawk and trappings of war beside him ; 
doubtless a victim of the late conflict, too much injured to 
accompany his friends further, and was thus by them, Avilh 
scrupulous care, prepared for his momentous final journey 
" to thejoi/fid, eternal Jainting grounds^ 

The rescuing friends, on reaching the place of ambuscade, 
found twenty-Jive dead within a small space, none wounded— 



228 HISTOEY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

the Indian custom being to end with the tomahawk what the 
bullet does not finish. Van Slyck was found sUiin at a point 
not far distant. The enemy had fled ; but, under the circum- 
stances — with such small forces, scanty supply of ammunition, 
hasty gathering, and no provisions — pursuit of so strong an 
enemy was next to impossible. So, with sorrowing hearts 
and pious care, the afliicted rescuers, before nightfall, collected 
and removed their mutilated slain, twenty-six in number, to 
Schenectady, and deposited them in two rows on the floor of 
the barn of Abraham Mahee, situated on Church street, to be 
claimed and cared for by their respective kin. (This iden- 
tical barn is now standing on the premises of Mrs. Park Ben- 
jamin, and is believed to be the oldest barn building now 
situated in our city or county, except it l)e the old structure 
of Johannes Peek, in the town of Eotterdam, now^ owned by 
Mr. James McCue, and built in 1711.) 

The Beukendal massacre w^as a deep aflliction to the citi- 
zens of Schenectady and its environs. The Tolls, Van 
Slycks, Veeders, Condes, De Gratfs, Mebees, Vielies, and 
other families bearing names familiar at this day, and some 
of whose descendants are in our midst, suflered dreadfully on 
that sad occasion. 

It seems strange that no printed or oflicial record of that 
terrible event exists, except among the manuscript letters of 
Colonel, afterwards Sir William Johnson. But then it must 
be remembered that, at that period, the government w^as 
English ; that language was spoken and written by few in 
this section. Education was limited ; newspa})ers almost 
unknown ; historical events usually committed to Bible 
entries, or handed down from parents to descendants ; the 
facilities of conmiunication were few ; there were no mails, 
steamboats, railroads, or telegraphic wires. Butthe Bueken- 
dal facts above stated are well sustained as handed down by 
the old settlers, and especially by Colonel Jacob Glen, my 
great grandfather, one of the priuci})le actors, and others, his 
cotemporaries. 



REVOLUTIONARY BATTLE-FIELDS. 229 

CHAPTER IX. 
Revolutionary Battle-Fields. 

The East and the South, through their historians, talented 
sons, have blazoned to the world the daring and chivalric 
deeds of their own people in their respective tields of action 
at home. But the great Ijattle-fields of frontier New York, 
the boundary line of British Canadian possessions, and assail- 
al)le from so man}' points of contact, and especially the blood- 
stained Valley of the Mohawk, covered with the slain of its 
hardy, industrious, and patriotic yeomanry, has been singularly 
neglected by the citizens of its own State, until the generous, 
learned, eloquent, patriotic, and far-seeing statesman, ex-Gov- 
ernor Horatio Seymour, Avith a few spirits of kindred stamp, 
al)out 100 years after it took place, discovered that the battle 
of On's/canf/, August 6th, 1777, was the severest, and in pro- 
portion to numbers, the most bloody tight of the Revolution ; 
and, in fact, was the first land victory won under the star- 
spangled l)anner, although Lexington, Bunker Hill, Long 
Ishuid, and White Plains had already been gallantly fought, 
Ticonderoga, St. Johns and Montreal captured, and Quebec 
stormed, before that national standard was adopted. This 
was an obstinate battle, sustained by 800 undisciphned mili- 
tia, Dutch and German farmers of Tryon county, settled in 
what is now Montgomery and Herhimer counties — many of 
the hei'oes emigrants from Schenectady itself. At that time 
the Valley of the jNIohawk, as far west as Canajoharie, was 
owned and occupied principally by the Holland Dutch, 
descendants of the lirst settlers of Albany and Schenectady; 
and beyond that, so far as the western boundary of the present 
county of Herkimer, the inhabitants were almost entirely 
German Palatinates or their descendants. I honor their 
courage and devotion, displayed on the lield of battle under 
most discouraging circumstances : it illustrates the virtue 
and patriotism of the sons of our fertile valley, and will si)eak 
of them hereafter. 



230 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

General Nicholas Herkimer, an elderly and wealthy farmer 
of Try on county, a German by ])irth, an idoHzed leader 
among them, and an important citizen throughout the country, 
was an ardent Whig, who had seen much service in the 
French War under Prideaux, Bradstreet and Johnson, was 
Brigadier-General of all the militia west of Schenectady. I 
speak of General Herkimer with much feeling and interest, 
because he was an intimate friend of the early members of the 
Scotia family, and an acquaintance of many of the old Sche- 
nectady and Albany families. He was reputed to be a man 
of great firmness, worth, and purity of character. Since the 
people of this generation have learned to know — with Bur- 
goyne approaching from the north, Vaughan from the south, 
and General Barey St. Ledger from the northwest — what 
those three invasions meant, the services of General Herki- 
mer have taken a high stand among calm, reflecting patriots, 
not as a consunmiate General reared in the disciplined school of 
Washington, Green, Lincoln or Knox, but as a sturdy, brave 
and manly hero, who, under very trying circumstances, knew 
coolly how to light, and calmly how to die. Had Herkimer 
lived and been present when Washington visited Schenectady 
in 1782, from the distinguished honor he then bestowed on 
Colonel Frederick Visscher, who commanded one of the 
Oriskany regiments, I can well conceive how that great sol- 
dier and statesman would have drawn to his bosom this noble 
Leonidas of our Kevolution's bitter crisis and most bloody 
fight. Veterans could not have done it ; but the farming 
men and boys, accustomed to hunting and the practices of 
Indian warfare, checked St. Legcr's invasion, and his Indian 
allies were disheartened. 

The particulars of this deadly conflict should be handed 
down to posterity, and consequently, with the view of its per- 
petuation, I have collected from Judge Wm. W. Campbell's 
Annals of Tryon County, and from the several addresses 
delivered on the battle ground 100 years after its occurrence, 
and from the narration of actors, or their children, so much 
as is reliable and necessary to illustrate the importance, 
severity, ol)stinacy, and unyielding heroism of men who 



REVOLUTIONARY BATTLE-FIELDS. 231 

were contending for their household idols, fireside altars, 
freedom, peace, and the pursuit of general happiness. 

On the 15th of July, 1777, Gen. Herkimer received infor- 
mation from Thomas, one of the principal Oneida sachems, 
who had just returned from Canada, that Gen. Barry St. 
Leger, with a force of 400 regulars, GOO Tories, and 700 
Indians, was destined against Fort Stanwix, which, should he 
succeed in taking, he was to pass down the Mohawk Valle}^ 
to Johnstown, and fortify himself there. From this place 
he could easily make a diversion in favor of Buro-oyne, or 
ad in cutting otf the retreat of the American army as cir- 
cimstanccs should render necessary. The rich Mohawk 
country would at the same time furnish provisions for his 
own and the other invading armies. This shows how greatly 
im[)ortant was St, Ledger's check at Oriskany. 

Col. Peter Gansevoort (afterwards Gen. Gansevoort), was 
then stationed at Fort Stanwix, with the Third Regiment of 
the New York State troops of the line, numbering in all 
about 650 souls. The Fort was still unfinished when St. 
Leger commenced his siege on the 3d day of August, 1777, 
with a force of 1,700 men, regulars, Tories, and Indians. We 
all know how gallantly the Fort was defended, and that on 
the 2 2d of August St. Leger raised the seige, retiring in 
great confusion ; but here I desire only to treat of the 
sanguinary battle of Oriskany. 

Two days after receiving the information of contemplated 
invasion from the Mohawk Sachem, to wit, July 17th, 1777, 
Judge Campbell says Gen. Herkimer published the follow- 
ing proclamation : 

" Whereas, it appears certain that the enemy, of about 2,000 
strong, Christians and savages, are arrived at Oswego with 
the intention to invade our frontiers, I think it proper and 
most necessary for the defense of our country, and it shall 
be ordered by me as soon as the enemy approaches, that every 
male person, being in health, from sixteen to sixty years of 
age, ill this our county, shall, as in duty bound, repair innne- 
diately, with arms and accoutrements, to the place to bo 
appointed in my orders, and with them march to oppose the 



232 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTl . 

enemy with vigor, as true patriots, for the just defense of 
their country. 

" And those that are above sixty years, or really nuAvell, or 
incapable to march, shall then assem1)le, also armed, at the 
respective places where women and children will be gathered 
together in order for defense against the enemy, if attacked, 
as much lies in their power. 

"But concerning the disaffected, and who will not obey 
such orders, they shall be taken along, with their arms, secured 
under guard, to join the main l)ody. And as such invasion 
regards every friend of the country in general, but of this 
county in particular, to show his zeal and well-affected spirit 
in actual defense of the same, all the members of the com- 
mittee, as well as all those who, by former commissions or 
otherwise, have been exempted from any other militar}^ duty, 
are requested to repair also, when called, to such place as shall 
be appointed, and join to repulse our foes. Not doubting 
that the Almighty Power upon our humble prayers, and 
sincere trust in Him, will then graciously succor our arms in 
battle, for our just cause, and victory cannot fail on our side." 

On the oOth July, Herkimer received information from 
Thomas Spencer, a half-blood Oneida Chief, that the enemy 
were within four days' march of Fort Stanwix ; and soon 
Herkimer found himself at the head of 800 men, and most of 
the Committee of Safety Avere among the number, either as 
officers or volunteers. 

His brigade consisted of three skeleton regiments, collected 
from a sparsely settled country, niau}^ of whose inhabitants 
not of Dutch or German origin, l)rought up under the 
auspices and loyal teachings of Sir William and Sir John 
Joliuson^ and of Colonel John Butler^ the wealthy, strong, 
right arm of the Johnsons, and of great personal popularity 
in some sections of Tryon county, were dmigeromli/ loyal ; 
but many had left for Canada and joined the enemy, prov- 
ing, by their subsequent brutal atrocities, the most embittered 
enemies that ever assailed their former neighbors of the 
Mohawk Valley. But the Dutch, whose fathers had handed 
down to tlu'ir sons the lessons of royal oppression, taught 



REVOLUTIONARY BATTLE-FIELDS. 23,3 

them, in their struggles against Philip of Spain and the in- 
famous Alva ; and the Germans, descendants of the noble 
Palatinates, who defended Heidelhurg and their beautiful 
land against the enormities of the armies of Louis the XIV, 
who were expatiated by oppression for their religion, souo-ht 
an asylum in this generous land, icere, with few excq)tions, 
ardent patriots, true to the cause of American libert}-. 

The three regiments were commanded, respectively, by 
Colonels Cox, of Canajoharie. Bellinger, of Herkimer, and 
Frederick Visschei-, of IMohawk. The place of rendezvous was 
at Fort Dayton, what is now the village of Herkimer, and 
some of the men had traveled forty miles to reach that point. 
On the 4th of August, 1777, Herkimer, Avith his small 
brigade of farmers, pushed forward to relieve the brave 
Colonel Gaiisevoort, at Fort Stanwix, located where the city 
of Rome now stands ; the intention being to surprise the 
besiegers. He sent forward Adam Hehner, as an express, 
Avith a letter to Colonel Gansevoort, announcing his approach, 
and urging, simultaneously, a sally from the fort on the iirst 
sound of his attack. This messenger reached the garrison at 
one o'clock in the afternoon of August sixth. AVhile the 
battle of Oriskau}', six miles distant, was raging, St. Leger's 
scouts had also brought him information of the advance, and 
he prepared vigorously to meet it. Herkimer intended a 
surprise, but St. Leger, from the earliest moment, was fully 
apprized of every movement. He knew just when the reliev- 
ing force left Fort Dayton, and what its strength was. Molly 
Brandt, who had been the faithful Indian wife of Sir William 
Johnson, and was the sister of Joseph Brandt, the celebrated 
Indian Chief, sent a messenger with the information. On the 
death of Sir William she was obliged to leave Johnson Hall, 
where she had long ruled as mistress, and return to live with a 
remnant of her tribe on the Mohawk, about two miles below 
the residence of General Herkimer. She saw everything 
that was going on, and by scouts or messcng(u-s kept St. 
Leger constantl}^ advised. 

On the second day of the march, fifth August, Herkimer 
crossed the Mohawk river at the point where the city of 



234 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Utica now stands, and encamped for the night in Whites- 
town, near where the vilhige of Whitesljoro now is. 

Little order had thus far been observed upon the 
march, and those precautions so necessary to guard against 
surprise Indian warfare had been sadly neglected. They 
having learned that the fort was invested, were in great 
haste, fearing that it might be surrendered before their ar- 
rival. The country was new and the pathways nearly impass- 
able, the weather exceedingly warm, and Hanking parties 
traveling through woods, and crossing streams and marshes, 
would necessarily retard the progress of the main bod}^ 
should they merely keep pace with them. 

They started from camp on the morning of Angust sixth— 
Si)encer, the Mohawk Chief and interpreter, a man of great 
inielHgence and Indian warfare experience, had then joined 
them, and insisted on their keeping out flanking parties. In 
this opinion he was sustained by General Herkimer, and 
several of the senior officers; but the jmiior officers and men — 
" raw, undisciplined militia''^ — were impetuous for the rescue, 
and would subn)it to no delay, even to the detaching of Hank- 
ing parties. Still, in a weak moment, the gallant old hero, 
stung by the remarks of Major Isenlord, Captain Gardinier 
and some junior officers, " that he showed the white feather,^^ 
with the assurance " that all should have enough of fight before 
sunset^ gave the order, " forward march," and the brave 
but headstrong array, rushed on to one of the most disad- 
vantageous, desparate and deadly conllicts, in proportion to 
numbers, this continent has ever witnessed. 

I have said St. Leger knew of Herkimer's ap[)roach, and 
not wishing to be attacked in his camp, he sent out a strong 
detachment of regulars and Johnsou's Greens under Colonel 
Butler, and a large body of Indians under their chief, the 
noted Brandt, to ambuscade the too confident, advancing 
Dutcli farmers. The spot selected was about six miles from 
St. Leger's camp, and well chosen. I extract from the 
Annals of Tryon County, by Judge William AV. Campbell, 
that honorable son of New York, who first raised from its 
dee[) sleep the n()))le history of Oriskany and its heroes: 



REVOLUTIONARY BATTLE-FIELDS. 235 

" The surrounding country ottered every fucility for the 
practice of the Indian mode of warfare. In the deep recesses 
of its forest they were secure from observation, and to them 
they could retreat in case they were defeated. Finding that 
the militia approached in a very careless manner, Butler de- 
termined to attack them by surprise. He selected a place 
well fitted for such an attack. About six miles from Fort 
Stanwix there was a deep ravine, sweeping toward the east 
in a semi-circular form, and having a northern and southern 
direction. The bottom of this ravine was marshy, and the 
road along which the militia were marching crossed it by 
means of a log causeway. The ground adjoining the ravine 
was elevated and level. Along the road on each side, on this 
bight of land, Butler disposed his men. 

" About ten o'clock on the morning of the 6th of August, 
the Tryon County militia arrived at this place without any 
suspicion of danger." 

(Herkimer knowing well this dangerous pass — he had Ijeen 
a hunter, pioneer, scout, soldier and surveyor — wished to halt 
and feel the woods, but was again overruled by the majority 
of his junior officers. Within six miles of the besieiijing 
forces, and bent upon surprise, he seems to have been power- 
less to control his rashly-determined and impetuous men.) 

" The dark foliage of the forest trees, with a thick growth 
of imderl)rush, entirely concealed the enemy from their view. 
The adv^anced guard, with about two-thirds of the whole 
force, had gained the elevated ground (on the wed), the l)ag- 
oao;e had descended into the ravine. Colonel Fisher's regi- 
ment was still on the east side, when the Indians arose, and 
with a dreadful yell poured a destructive fire upon them. 
The advanced guard [belonging to Colonel Cox's regiment) was 
entirely cut ott". Those who survived the first fire were innne- 
diately cut down with the tomahawk. The horror of the 
scene was increased Ijy the personal appearance of the savages, 
who were almost naked, and painted in a most hideous man- 
ner. They ran down each side, keeping up a constant fire, 
and united at the causeway, thus dividing the militia into 
two bodies. 



23(3 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

" There w:is no alteriKitive left but to fight. Facing out 
ill every direction, they sought shelter behind the trees und 
returned the fire of theenemy with spirit. In the beginning of 
the action the Indians, whenever they .saw a gun was fired from 
behind a tree, rushed up and tomahawked the person thus 
firing before he had time to reload ; to counteract this, two 
men were ordered to station themselves behind one tree, the 
one reserving his fire until the Indian ran up. In this way 
the Indians were made to sufier severely in return." 

Gouverneur Morris, in his address before the New York 
Historical Society, graphically illustrates the desperation thus : 
"Let me recall, gentlemen, to yonv recollection, that bloody 
field in which Herkimer fell. There was found the Inditm and 
the white man, born on the banks of the Mohawk, their left 
hand clenched in each other's hair, the right hand grasping in a 
gripe of death, the knife plunged in each other's bosom. T/nis 
they lay frowning y 

I follow with some closeness the account of the battle of 
Ori.skany by Judge Campl)ell, because, after some considera- 
ble research by myself of all the accounts, it runs most clearly 
with those received by me in early manhood from two actors 
in the daring struggle, then young men, but at the time of 
the narration respectable, aged men. Yet there are some 
instances of desi)erate valor that Campbell has not noticed. 
The Judge further adds : 

" The fighting had continued for some time, and the Indians 
had begun to give way, when Major Watson, a l)rother-iii- 
lavv of Sir John Johnson, brought up a det:;chment of John- 
son's Greens. The blood of the Germans boiled with indig- 
nation at the sight of these men, Mau}^ of the Greens were 
l)ersonally known to them. Thc}^ had ficd their country, 
and were now returned in arms to subdue it. Their presence 
under any circumstances would have kindled up the resent- 
ment of these militia ; but coming upas they now did, in aid 
of a retreating foe, called into exercise the most bittei- feelings 
of hostility. They fired upon them as they advanced, and 
then rushing from their covers, attacked them with their bay- 
onets, and those who had nojie, with the butt end of their 



REVOLUTIONARY BATTLE-FIELDS. 237 

muskets. 'Rage supplied arms.'' The contest avhs niaintained, 
hand to hand, for nearly half an hour. The Greens made a 
manful resistance, but were fiuallj- ohlioed to o-ive way before 
the dreadful fury of their assailants, with the loss of 30 killed 
upon the spot Avhere they first entered. Major Watson was 
wounded and taken prisoner. 

" In this assault Colonel Cox was said to have been killed. 
Possessing an athletic form, with a daring spirit, he mingled in 
the thickest of the fight. His voice could be distinctly heard 
as he cheered on his men or issued his orders, amid the clash- 
ing of arms and the yells of the contending savages." 

At this point the company of the brave Captain Gardenier 
bore the brunt of the deadly onslaught — himself a hero of 
giant })roporti()ns and hercuk'an strength. Eye-witnesses 
afiirm that, when the Greens retreated, he was surrounded, 
standing in the midst of seven of them slain by his own hand, 
he himself unscathed, l)ut covered with the blood of his ene- 
mies. His herculean powers and desperate daring were long 
the admiration and household talk of the surviving citizens of 
Tryon county. 

At two o'clock in the afternoon of that day, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Marinus Willet, the second in command of Fort 
Stanwix, and the grandfather on the maternal side of our 
honored citizen Hamilton Fish (ex-Governor of the State of 
New York, ex-United States Senator, ex-Secretary of State 
of our glorious Union), having heard the firing at Oriskany, 
accompanied by Mtijor Rowley, with 207 men, sallied from 
the Fort for the purpose of making a diversion in favor of 
General Herkimer, and attacked the camp of the enemy with 
such success, that this timely and admirably conducted sally, 
being discovered at Oriskany, the blood-hounds entirely with- 
drew and left our impudent, but brave, militia, skilled in such 
backwoods fight, the sole possessors of the battle-field and its 
dearly purchased honors. 

Judge Campbell well and justly says : " Few^ battles have 
been fought at a greater disadvantage than was that at Oris- 
kany, on'the part'of the Americans. After recovering from 
the confusion of the first attack, they foiuid themselves with- 



238 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

out ummiiiiitiou, save that in their cartouch l)oxcs. Their 
baggage waggons were in possession of the enemy. The 
weather was warm, and surrounded by the enemy, they could 
get no water. In this state they defended themselves against 
a far superior force for five or six hours." 

Out of an original force of 800, they lost 200 killed 
and 150 wounded, besides about 100 prisoners. St. Leger 
claims they lost 400 killed and wounded, and 200 pris- 
oners ; that cannot be so, for it is a well-established fact, 
that Herkimer brought from the field of carnage to old Fort 
Schuyler, now Utica, 350 effective men, besides fifty of his 
wounded. 

The losses of the enemy, with every advantage on their 
side, were also severe. Brandt has admitted the loss of 
seventy Mohawks, and the Seneca tribe also lost thirty. The 
number of Indian wounded can never be ascertained, as they 
are uniformly removed from the field of battle. From the 
best data that can be reached, the losses of the regulars and 
Tories must have been about 200 in their contests with 
Herkimer and Willett. 

The militia encamped on the first night after the battle, on 
the ground where Utica now stands, in a state of exhaustion 
and destitution ; gallantly bearing with them their fearless 
general and fifty other wounded. They had just fought the 
most severe battle of the lievolution, under appalling dis- 
advantages, and were on their way homewards, covered with 
laurels, but with sad hearts, for many of Tryoifs bravest 
sons lay unburied in the ravine of Oriskany, 

Tryoji county suftered dreadfully in this battle. Among 
the woimded was Gen. Herkimer. Early in the action his 
leg was fractured by a musket ball, and his horse being 
kilhid at the same time, he directed his saddle to be placed 
upon a hillock of earth, under a tree, and seated himself 
on it, exhibiting a calm coolness and intrepidity in issuing 
his conunands, Avhich did much to restore order and give 
confidence to his ambuscaded and distressed militia.. Herki- 
mer was personally very hardy and brave ; he had been 
employed nuich in Indian negotiations, had great experience, 



REVOLUTIONARY BATTLE-FIELDS. 239 

unci hiicl fought side by side with and under his intimate, 
personal friend, Sir Wm. Johnson. 

While thus giving orders, Surgeon Moses Younglove, who 
was attending to his wound, advised him to select a place 
where he would be less exposed, the veteran replied : " I luill 
face the enemy ; " and surrounded by a few daring spirits, he 
continued to issue orders with the same firmness as if he had 
been unhurt. In this situation, to inspire his men in the 
very deadliest heat of the conflict, he deliberately took from 
his pocket his tender-box and short clay pipe, which he 
smoked with stoical composure and seeming relish, though he 
must then have suffered much fnmi the severe wound. Surgeon 
Younglove was long an esteemed physician and surgeon of 
the city of Hudson, who died there at a very advanced age. 
The writer has seen the old patriot often. 

His shattered brigade with sorrowing hearts escorted him 
to his home, in what is now the town of Danube, Herkimer 
county, and after an affecting adieu to the remnants of his 
severely tried, trusty militia, they soon after scattered to their 
many mourning homes. 

On arriving home, the General's leg was amputated, and 
thirteen days after the battle, owing to the exposures of the 
return march, the unfavorable state of August weather, and 
a reputed unskillful operation, the limb mortified and death 
ensued. 

That death was much lamented by his numerous personal 
friends, and by every patriot of Try on county and the 
Mohawk Valley, for one of their most influential, determined 
and stout-hearted citizens could raise his voice and nerve his 
strong arm no more in the cause of that freedom which he 
and they prized so dearly. 

The Continental Congress, in the month of October follow- 
ing, directed that a monument should be erected to his 
memory of the value o^Jive hundred dollars. 

In a letter accompanying the resolution, the Congress say: 
" Every mark of distinction shown to the memory of such 
illustrious men as offer up their lives for the liberty and hap- 
piness of this country, reflects real honor on those who pay 



240 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

the grateful tribute, and b}^ liolding up to others the prospect 
of fame and iuimortalit}', will animate them to trejid in the 
same path." The illustrious Governor George Clinton, who 
knew Herkimer intimately, and forwarded the letter and 
resolution to the Tryon county Committee of Safety, added : 

" Enclosed you have a copy of a letter and resolves of 
Congress for erecting a monument to the memory of your 
gallant General. While with you I lament the causes, T am 
impressed with a due sense of the great and justly merited 
honor the Congress has, in this instance, paid to the memory 
of that brave man." 

General Nicholas Herkimer was interred on his own 
grounds, near the homestead ; and, notwithstanding the 
resolution of Conoress, while the unhesitatino; darini? of the 
hero was still green in the public memory, as if to mark the 
necessities and poverty of our Union during the Revolutionary 
War, and the ingratitude of a great and rich Republic in 
times of prosperity and peace, no pul)lic monument yet marks 
the patriot's resting-place. Herkimer, Montgomery and 
Fulton counties should still erect it. 

Tryon county suffered dreadfully in the battle of Oriskany. 
Colonel Cox, Majors Eisenlord, Klepettle and Van Slyck, 
with the brave interpreter and warrior, Thomas Spencer, 
were killed ; most of the inferior officers were either killed 
or captured. John Frey. of Palatine, Major of Brigade, 
Colonel Bellinger, and Moses Younglove, Surgeon of Brigade, 
were taken prisoners ; 200 laid dead on the Held of battle, and 
150 wounded ; many of them mortally — among the latter 
their Commanding General. Of nine Snells who went into 
a(;tion, seven were slain ; of live Lashers who stood around 
Herkimer, three were slain and two wounded ; and I confess 
the enthusiasm that, when in the walks of life 1 meet a Gar- 
denier, a Snell or a Lasher, I necessarily raise my hat, as a 
tribute to the descendants of Revolutionary heroes. For long, 
long — many long years were the hearthstones of Tryon county 
moistened by the tears of the aged fathers and mothers, and 
the brotlu^rs, sisters, wives and ()r[)haus of those who gave up 
their lives on freedom's altar at Oriskany. It has been justly 



REVOLUTIONARY BATTLE-FIELDS. 241 

said that Oiiskany was the most severe tight of the R(n'olii- 
tioii. I ill nowise undervalue Bunker Hill, Bennington, 
Eutaw S[)rings, the Cow Pens, Trenton, Gerinantown, Sara- 
toga and Monmouth — points ever dear to patriots. Tiiat of 
Saratoga intensely so ; because, in the wholesale capture of 
Burgoyne, it taught the civilized world that America could 
help herself, and led to a timely alliance with powerful 
France. And the intrepid valor of the battle of Monmouth 
was equally cheering, because it assured the fultillment of the 
prophecy of the triumph of freedom made at Saratoga. 

But as a measure of severity, compare tlie losses of those 
grand, decisive l)attles — the glorious stand-points of American 
liberty — with the deadly pluck and daring of Oriskany, and 
let the patriot determine, according to numbers engaged, 
where the most startling severity lies. 

In the first battle of Saratoga, September 19th, 1777, the 
two great armies — the Americans, commanded by General 
Gates, assisted by Generals Lincoln and Arnold ; the British, 
commanded by General Burgoyne, assisted by Generals 
Philips, Reidesel and Frazer — fought obstinately for three 
hours. Each army claimed the victory, and each held its 
own ground. The Americans lost, in killed, wounded and 
missing, 319 ; the British, in killed, wounded and prisoners, 
upwards of 500 men. 

In the second battle of Saratoga, fought on the 7th day of 
October, 1777, and desperately contested, succeeded by the 
surrender of Burgoyne on the 16th day of the same month. 
The British lost the distinguished General Frazer and the 
gallant Lieut.-Colonel Breyman, with 100 men killed ; and 
Sir Francis Clark, Aid-de-Camp to Burgoyne, and the lirave 
Major Ackland, Avho commanded the British Grenadiers, 
severely wounded, and w^ith other wounded officers and men, 
and others not wounded, numbering 200, were brought prison- 
ers to the American camp, with nine pieces of cannon and a 
considerable supply of ammunition. And yet the American 
loss did not exceed thirty killed and one hundred wounded— 
among the latter, General Arnold, who had his horse killed 
under^ him, and his leg fractured by a musket ball. (See 
16 



242 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Life of General Gates, by John Frost, LL.D., in his Li<fe 
of American Generals, p. 100, etc.). 

Again, at the battle of Monmonth, so pregnant with the 
results of American liberty, and so bitterly contested on 
Sunday, the 28th day of August, 1778, upon the hottest day 
that section of New Jersey had ever known, where General 
Washington commanded in person, supported by his favorite 
Generals^ — Stirling, Green, Knox, Wayne, La Fayette and 
Morgan — met the distinguished and accomplished veteran. 
General Sir Henrj^ Clinton (a host of resources within him- 
self), commanding the British forces, assisted by the fearless 
Generals Knyphausen and Grant, and many other experi- 
enced officers of tried valor, especially Colonel Monckton, 
the commander of the Grenadiers, who fell that day at the 
head of his men, I shall carry the struggles of that day no 
further than to draw a parallel with the bloody severity of 
the comparatively unhonored fight of Oriskan}^ 

It is impossible to gather with accuracy, from history, what 
was the relative strength of the contending armies on the day 
of the battle. That of the Americans did not probably ex- 
ceed 14,000 men — some of them new recruits, and many of 
them militia. The British were not more than 10,000 strong, 
but all tried veterans ; most of them the victors of Brandy- 
wine and Germantown. 

The loss of the Americans was 288 ; of the British, about 
250. Of the last, sixty fell dead from the effects of heat, as 
also did some of the Americans. 

Oriskany's fight was in August, 1777 ; that of Monmouth 
in August, 1778, both excessively hot days. And now, hav- 
ing rendered my heartfelt tribute to the heroes of Oriskany, 
I submit their memories to the grateful admiration of a patri- 
otic people. 



DESOLATED BY FIKE. 243 

CHAPTER X. 
Desolated by Fire. 

It has been often and trul}- said Alljany was never visited 
hy an enemy or invasion ; jet Schenectady, her frontier 
daughter, has been sadly afflicted with both, and paid heavy 
penalties, as has been ah-eady shown, for her advanced frontier 
position. But frontier exposure has not been her only suf- 
fering. Ill 1819, the city was devastated b}^ a sweeping fire, 
when her liest business and commercial portion containing 
extensive wharves, freighting establishments, and storehouses 
along the Main Binnekill, a deep and sluggish arm of the 
Mohawk, with many valuable dwellings and stores along 
Washington street (now avenue), and upon Union, Church, 
State and Front streets were laid in ruins. These sections 
never again recovered their business, mercantile or com- 
mercial importance, for the then contemplated construction 
of the Erie canal, and its subsequent completion running 
through a central part of Schenectady, and the building of 
railroads at points not touching there, l)ut centering else- 
where, removed the business seat of our city to its present 
commanding location. 

I was myself then a student of Union at the age of 17, 
not only a witness of, but an actor at, the fire, and well 
remem])er the great conflagration, with its consequent ruin 
and hardships. But there is yet a compensating offset for 
the loss of business in what was once the most active, 
bustling and money-making portion of our city ; for in 
rising from its ashes it has become, probably, its most 
courted, quiet, and beautiful residence section, presenting 
from some portions the most charming views of islands, 
flats, water and hills, that the eyes could delight to dwell 
upon. 

There are some still dwelling in our midst who remember 
Schenectady as it existed in 1800. There are more, includ- 



244 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

iug myself, who rcnieml)cr its u})pe:ir:uice from 1810, after 
the Scotia dyke was built sinuiltaneou.sl}' with the completion 
of the Mohawk turnpike in 1802 ; and the original, elegcant, 
old Mohawk bridge across the river, a suspension bridge 
built of wood, 900 feet in length, of a peculiar and beautiful 
construction ; erected and c(mipleted in 1808, by the justly 
celebrated Theodore Burr, the great l)ridge architect of the 
United States ; and this structure has been pronounced ^^ the 
master effort of his genius, " and they only who have seen 
the original when first finished can ap[)reciate its subsequent 
enormous disfigurement hy the addition of several piers, and 
an unsightly covering over the whole, adding, perhaps, to 
its solidity and ultimate preservation, l)ut certainly destroy- 
inu' all its eleo-ance of design and execution. 

Such old citizens can well remember the busy scenes on 
Washington street, and at the wharves and storehouses on 
the Main Binnekill, previous to the destructive fire of 1819. 
They, too, can recollect that previous to that time the 
Mohawk river, alcove the bridge, was a broad, deep stream, 
u})on which Durham boats, carrying sails like an Albany 
slo()[), and from eight to twenty tons of freight, according to 
the depth of the water at different seasons of the year on the 
rifts above, glided, often under full sail, to or from our then 
deep and commercial Binnekill. ''The minature golden home 
of our city ! " They, too, can well remember, during the 
"War of 1812, how often at one time as many as ^//y sail 
of those craft would lay in our port discharging or taking 
cargo. How the freighting firms of Yates & Mynderse, 
Jacob S. Glen & Co., Stephen N. Bayard, Walton & De 
Graff, Lusher & McMichacl, transacted this immense trans- 
portation business. Covering war material, army supplies, 
and the necessaries required by the fast-growing west ; and 
bringing in return its surplus products, generally in the 
shape of fiour, Avheat, potash, pork, lunilx'r and man}- other 
productions. 

I low at least 300 fiunilies of this cily and its environs, 
made it their business and derived their sup[)ort, and often 
easy competence, by land carriage between the store-houses 



DESOLATED BY FIRE, 245 

of the Binnekill aii<l the city of Alhan3% But it is a .sad re- 
flection that time has left me so few associates, in the remem- 
brance of Schenectady's former days of commercial and busi- 
ness prosiierity. Schenectady being situated at the foot of 
navigation on the Mohawk, there was a portage of sixteen miles 
l)y way of the Albany and Schenectady turnpike (the old 
route was twenty miles before that turnpike was constructed), 
between the Binnekill and the Hudson river. It will afford 
some idea of the daily processions on that turnpike, when we 
reflect that over it was l)onie to market the products of the 
far-stretching west, and in return to it all the supplies and 
necessaries drawn from the old settlements. 

As my ol)ject is to convey information of ScJienedath/ s 
earlij datjs to the rising generation, I think it will not be out 
of place, in this connection, to state how difficult w^ere the 
naviga))le facilities of the early settlers in trading with the 
Indians in the interior, along the great lakes and the St. 
Lawrence. There were many rifts or rapids in the Mohawk 
river to be overcome, either by great personal labor or 
portage. The first of these was a few miles above Schenec- 
tady, and \vas called Sixtli Flats rift. Proceeding west, in suc- 
cession, comes Fort Hunter rift, Caughnanaga rift, Keator^s 
rift, the heaviest on the river, having a fall often feet ; Brandy- 
icine rift, at Canajoharie, short but rapid ; Ehder rift, near 
Fort Plain, and the '• Little Falls," so called, compared with 
the Cohoes, at the mouth of the Mohawk. At this last. 
Little F\dls, there is a descent in the river of forty feet in the 
distance of half a mile, up the current of which no boats 
could be forced ; so it became a portage or carrying point 
for both boats and merchandise, which were transported around 
the ra]Hds on wagons, and when relaunched and reloaded, 
pushed on again. 

Up to about the year 1740, the early settlers used the 
largest sized Indian bark canoe, the graceful craft, which 
had glided on the bosom of the Moluiwk, probably for 
centuries before. But about, or soon after that time, the 
later Indian traders, William, afterwards Sir William Johns- 
ton John Duncan, John Robinson, William Corlett, Charles 



246 HISTORY or Schenectady county. 

Martin, James Ellice, Daniel Canipl)ell and others, taking a 
Avide step in advance of the time-honored canoe, introduced 
the small Battean, a wooden vessel strongly braced with ribs, 
sharp at both ends, and generally manned by three men. 
Simms says, in his history of Schoharie county, containing 
interesting memoranda of the Mohawk Valley, page 141 : 
" These boats were forced over the rapids in the river with 
poles and ropes, the latter drawn by men on the shore. Such 
was the mode of transporting merchandise and Indian com- 
modities to and from the west, for a period of about fifty 
years, and until after the Kevolution. A second carrying 
})lace in use at an eai'ly day, was near Fort Slanwix, from the 
boatable waters of the Mohawk to Wood creek; thence pass- 
ing into Oneida lahe, the Batteaus proceeded into the Oswego 
river, and thence to Osivego, on Lake Ontario, and to Niagara, 
or elscAvhere on that lake or the St. Lawrence, as they pleased 
to venture;" and after being carried around the falls of 
Niagara to Chippewa, went nninteruptedly on to Detroit, their 
iisuid limit, and sometimes even to Mackinaw. But after the 
Revolutionary War the tide of immigration set strongly west- 
ward, and that energetic population required increased 
facilities of transportation and communication with the great 
Hudson river, and their old homes in the east and elsewhere. 
AVhat was to be done ? Just emerged from a sanguinary 
and exhausting struggle, the St;ite and people were im- 
poverished. The expense of a canal could not Ijc thought of, 
and dreams of raih'oads, steamboats and electricity^ put to 
service, were only the far-ofi' fancies of visionary men, born 
piematurely. 

But something nuist be done. General Philip Schuyler, 
that far-seeing statesman of Revolutionary lame, who as 
jMajor-General had rendered his country invaluable services 
in liei- most trying periods, who had been a United States 
Senator, and was then Surveyor-General of the State of New 
York, succeeded in forming a corporate body, known as the 
''Inland Lock Navigation Comjjani/'^ of which body many 
citizens of Schenectady and its vicinity were members ; and 
Willi such capital Genei'al SchuyU'r, uuik'r his innnediate 



DESOLATED BY FIRE. 247 

supervision and direction, constructed u dam and sluice, or 
short canal, at Wood creek, uniting it with the naviuable 
waters of the Mohawk ; and also built a short canal and 
several locks at Little Falls ; in both cases ohviatinir [)ortai]:e, 
or the necessity of unloading the vessels. Those works were 
completed in 1795, and from that date, or soon thereafter, 
those enterprising forwarders, Jonathan Walton, Jacob S. Glen, 
Eri Lusher, Stephen N. Bayard, and others, erected additional 
wharves, docks and large storehouses on the Main Binnekill, 
and the commerce of Schenectady, with the increased faciU- 
ties of navigating the Mohawk, was largely extended until 
the great tire of 1811). The DurJiam hoat^ constructed some- 
thing in shape like a modern canal boat, with flat bottom, 
and carrying from eight to twenty tons, took the place of the 
clumsy little batteau which had for more than tifty years 
superseded the Indian bark canoe. These Durham boats were 
not decked except at the front and stern ; but along the sides 
were heavy planks partially covering the vessel, with cleats 
nailed on them, to give foothold to the boatmen using poles. 
Many of the boats fitted for use on the lakes and St. Law- 
rence had a mast, with one large sail, like an Albany sloop, 
the usual cre\v was from live to six men. At that day, boat- 
men at Schenectady were numerous, and generally were a 
rough and hardy class ; but from common labors, exposures 
and hardships, a sort of brotherly aftection for each other 
existed among them which did not brook the interference of 
outsiders, and yet as a class they were orderly, law-abiding 
citizens. 

Boating at this period was attended Avith great personal 
labor. True, the delay of unloading and carriage at the Lit- 
tle Falls had been overcome, but it was found more diflicult 
to force large than small craft over the rapids. In view of 
that ditliculty, several boats usually started from port in 
company, and those boats first arriving at a rift, at a lo^v- 
water stage, w^aited the a^jproach of others, that their united 
strength might lighten the labor there. At high water, with 
favorable wind, they could sail the navigable length of the 
river : but Avhen sails were insuflacient, long poles were used. 



248 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

These poles had heads of consideral^le size that rested against 
the shoulder of the boatman, while pushing onward ; as the 
writer has somestinies seen the shoulders of the boatmen* 
become calloused l)y such labor, like that of a severe collar- 
worn horse. The toil of a boatman's life, Avhen actnall}' at work, 
was generally severe and trying ; so that, in port, like the 
sailor, they were sometimes festive and hilarious. 

I will add, as a matter of curious history in the travel of 
the Mohawk Valley, that about the year 1815, Eri Lusher 
established a daily line of packet boats which were constructed 
after the model of the Durham boat, with cabin in midship, 
carefully cushioned, ornamented and curtained, expressly cal- 
culated for and used to carry from twenty to thirty passen- 
gers at a time, l)etween Schenectady and Utica, making the 
passage between the two places down the river in about thir- 
teen hours, and up the river, Avitli favorable wind and high 
water, within two days. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Channel of the jNIohawk Changed. 

How changed the appearance and uses of the Mohawk and 
our Binnekill port are now ! There are some citizens still 
living, including myself, who distinctly recollect that up to 
1820, what is now the shore of ''Platte Island," then covered 
with wood and bushes, with what is now an interveninsf 
creek between that island and one newly formed, owned and 
cultivated by Mr. Wm. Leonard, with the adjoining sand-bar 
accumulations, were, up to that time, c/eej) and navigable 
ivaters. "We can remember that, where now on its north side 
the deep water and channel of the Moluuvk exists, was then 
solid ground of several acres, capable of rich cultivation. 
That there Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, afterw^ards Lieutenant- 
General Scott, of wide historic fame, encamj^ed with his 
regiment on his first advance to the Niagara frontier, and 
how much the stately form of the coniiug hero was admired. 



CHANNEL OF THE MOHAWK CHANGED. 249 

It Wiis subsequently the camping ground of other United 
States forces moving westward. Tliis change of channel and 
alteration of surface, was probably attributa\)le to the erection 
of additional massive piers under the old Mohawk bridge 
creating unnatural obstructions. But, whatever the cause, the 
old-time citizen has never appreciated the change, and yet 
the Main Binnekill remains, peacefully resting in its native 
bcaut3% unconscious of the busy scenes once enacted on its 
banks, or of the fleets once nestling on its placid bosom ; and 
the Mohawk still glides smoothly by om- city, unmindful of 
its historic past, atfording to many of our citizens, with their 
pretty river craft, exercise, health and pleasure ; to the angler, 
s[)()rt among the best of the tinny tril)e, and to all, water of 
uncommon purity. 

After the ca[)ture of Niagara, Oswego, Ticonderoga, 
Crown Point, and tinally Quel)ec, by Wolf, Sei)tember 12th, 
1759, Schenectady became not as Ix^fore, merely an exposed 
frontier town, but a favorable and secure position for trade ; 
and, in addition to our timedionored, cautious traders of the 
old school, soon after several merchants of capital settled 
here, and gave a great impetus of prosperity to the place ; 
among them John Duncan, of Montreal, who afterwards 
associated in partuershi[) with hhnself James Phyn, of 
London. Duncan having acquired a large fortune, retired 
from the partnership, purchased nearly all of the town of 
Princetown (then called Corrysbush), built a tine mansion on 
his extensive farm of many hundred acres, now in the town 
of Niskayuna, as hereinbefore stated, and settling quietly 
down, lived and died there, much esteemed and in great 
comfort, with the surroundings of aflluence. James Phyn 
continued the business upon an immense scale, in a large 
frame building on the northeast corner of Washington and 
Union streets "^(Imrned down in 1819), associating with him- 
self the brothers James, Thomas, Alexander and Robert 
Ellice, some one or two of the partners always residmg at 
Montreal, with which place they maintained an extensive and 
direct trade. All the partners accumulated fortunes, an.l 
after doing so left the country ; excejjt James Ellke, who 



250 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

iiiarricd Mary Adams, and died here. His widcjw married 
Hon. Joseph C. Yates, subsequently Governor Yates. 

Andrew Mitchell, Alexander Kelly, Peter Smith, David 
Tomlinson, John Tannahill, Charles Martin, R,ol)ert Tanna- 
hill, Jonathan Walton. William Lyman, and James Walker, 
were earl}- bnt later arrivals, and contributed much to the 
character and prosperity of Schenectady. 

It would require a large volume to notice, in detail, the 
families and varied points of interest about Schenectady that 
could be acceptably mentioned in this historical statement. 
The necessary limits of this sketch forbids doing so, and it 
seems unnecessary to tell the living actors of this day, that 
the com[)act part of our city is regularly laid out on a 
beautiful plane on the southeast side of the Mohawk river. 
How admirably central its position ; how charming its ground- 
plat ; Iiow^ well tltigged, paved and shaded its streets ; how 
lovely its adjacent waters and surrounding eminences — all 
those (Miglitful points are evident to every eye. In line, to 
say you are settled in a goodly land, naturally one of the 
most beautiful and favored spots of earth, which, as a place 
of residence, with its society genial, cidtivated and refined, has 
few or no superiors, would be to repeat what is well known. 

For instruction, I may rather contine myself to the 
experiences and history of the past ; to the traditions of our 
fathers, the recollections of my early days, and those of my 
still living cotem[)oraries. 



CHAPTEK XII. 
Schenectady of Olden Time. 

Yet, in a narration of this kind, something in the shape of 
statistics should be given for the benefit of non-residents and 
posterity. Schenectad}-, in IGGl, was settled by Hollanders 
(with the single exception of one Scotchman, named Alex- 
ander Lindsey Glen), and many of their descendaiits still 
occu])y the original homes, anil inherit many of the indoniit- 



SCHENECTADY OF OLDEN TIME. 251 

iible virtues of their uiice.st()r,s. The style of architecture of 
the pluce was much like that of Dordrecht, Lcydeii, Delft, 
aud other IloUand cities. The houses stood with aui>ular, 
zig-zag gables turned to the streets, and their stoops or porches 
were furnished with side-seats, well tilled on pleasant after- 
noons and evenings with the 3'oung and old of both sexes, 
who met for "■fvhndhj gossi])J' The burgher enjoyed his 
Holland pipe ; the Dutch mothers were celebrated for indus- 
try, neatness, cleanliness, economy, and virtue; and their fair 
daughters were like them. The solid comforts of life were 
al)undant ; stoves were unknown. The great iire-place and 
huge back-log sup[)lied the needful warmth. A trip to Fort 
Orange occupied two days over miserable, sandy roads, and 
a v()3'age to New Amsterdam was estimated at an absence of 
three weeks, with preparations such as are now made foi' a 
voyage to Europe, Some, in view of the fact that Albany 
can now be reached l)y rail in forty minutes from this place, 
and New York in six hours, may smile incredulously at the 
foregoing statement. But this change is only one of the pro- 
gressions of the age, and carries with it honorable tribute to 
the early, indomitalile struggles of our fathers and mothers, 
Avho through several generations have slept in their graves. 

Let me illustrate the truth of my statement. It is avcU 
understood that the earliest traveled route between Albany 
and New York was by the Hudson river. Sh)o[)s aud 
schooners made the connection between these two cities, and 
when greater despatch and certainty were re(piired, " a canoe^^ 
was the means of conveyance, which could occasionally make 
a quick trip of seven days, gliding along night and day irre- 
spective of wind and tide. But the establishment of a post- 
road shortened this slow mode of transport. In sunmicr the 
mail was carried on horseback, and in winter the messenger 
made the journey on foot, taking advantage of the ice on 
the river when the road Avas impassable. 

Such was the conununication of New York with the 
interior [)rior to the Revolutionary Win: So slender were 
the facilities and resources of the country, that the first mail 
ever received at Schenectady was on the 3d day of April, 



252 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

1763. (See letter of Sir Win. Johnson). Bnt with the strength 
of the peo[)le and the advance of education, a brighter day 
Avas dawning. In 1785 the Legislature granted to Isaac 
W//ck, Talniage ILall^ and John Kinney, the exclusive right 
" to erect, set up, carry on and drive "' stage wagons between 
Albany and New York, on the east side of the Hudson river, 
for the term of ten years. They were to have at least two 
covered wagons, each drawn by four able horses, and perform 
the trip once a week under penalty of forfeiture of charter. 

The tirst stage was put on the road in Jiuie, 1785 ; there 
Avere two covered wagons, Avith four excellent horses to each, 
and the fare ioas foiu'-])ence a mile. It made weekly trips, 
starting from TiulVs tavern in Cortlandt street ; it carried its 
passengers up the east bank of the Hudson to Albany in a 
Aveek, having its terminus at the old Kings Arms, in later 
days knoAvn as the City tavern. Its consort made a like trip 
doAvn the river, meeting the up stage at the half-way point, 
Poughkeepsie. In 1804, the time had been diminished to a 
tl'ree days' journey, and the fare lixed at $8, the first night 
being passed at Peeksklll, and the second at Ehiuebeck. In 
1807, steamboats first relieved those from the fatigue of the 
long ride over rough roads, Avho dared trust their lives on so 
dangerous a conveyance. The stage coach was a rude con- 
veyance at best, nntil the use of thorough braces, about 1818, 
gave the vehicle easy motion, and consequent comfort. 

Albany soon became the line of western travel, as many as 
one h mid red coaches leaving every day. The streets were 
stirring, day and night, with the coming and going of these 
conveyances. 

In the spring of 1793, 3Ioses Beal, who kept a first-class 
hotel in a large brick building (since then burnt down) on 
the shv of the [)resent Givens' Hotel building, ran a stage, 
for the accommodation of passengers, from Albany to Sche- 
nectady, Johnstown and Canajoharie. once a week. The fare 
Avas three cents a mile. The success of this enterprise was 
so gi'eat, that Jo/rn Huthon, keeping the Schenectady Coffee- 
House, on the southwest corner of Union and Ferry streets, 
now the property of Madison Vedder, Esq., soon afterwards 



SCHENECTADY OF OLDEN TIME. 253 

established a line of stages to run from Albany to Schenec- 
tady thi-ee times a week. John Rogers, of Ballston, ran a 
line from that place to connect with it, by which a reijnlar 
communication was first established for the convenience of 
those who visited the Sprino's. 

And such was the progi-ess of the new country and the 
call for facilities, tliat in 1794 there were tive great post- 
routes centering in Albany : The first, to New York ; the 
second, to Burlington, Vermont ; the third, to Br ooh field, Mas- 
sachusetts ; the fourth, to Springfield, Massachusetts, On 
each of these routes the mail was carried onve a week. The 
fifth route was via Schenectady, Johnstown, Canajoharie, 
German Flats, Whitestown, Old Fort Schuyler, Onondaga., 
Aurora, Scii)io, Geneva, Canandaigua, and subsequently ex- 
tended to Buti'alo. The mail on this route was carried once 
in tu-o week!-: Thomas Powell, Aaron Thorpe, Asa Sprao-ue, 
and others in partnei'ship with them, west of Utica, were the 
leading proiu'ietors of this last route, under whose manage- 
ment its business became simply immense ; so much so, that, 
during the War of 1812, it was no miconmion scene to wit- 
ness from eight to twelve stages on the Scotia dyke, leav- 
ing or entering Schenectady at one time ; and in one instance 
the writer counted fourteen in a continuous line. 

But I nuist dismiss this subject with the remark, that steam 
has driven stages from all our great thoroughfares of travel. 
Yet, under the head of steam, with the knowledge that, in 
my early boyhood, while on a visit to the cit)- of Albany, I saw 
the tirst steamboat that evertloated on the waters of the grand 
Hudson — "2%e ClermonV — reach that city, with Fulton 
in person as engineer ; this being the tirst time I ever saw 
this son of genius, and at the same time heard and witnessed 
the surprised rejoicings of that ancient city ; and in view of 
the great results that success has accomplished for civilization, 
commerce, travel, prices, and connnunication throughout the 
world, I cannot resist the temptation to publish here a printed 
advertisement furnished me by my friend. Judge William H. 
W^ilson, of Clermont, Colunil)ia county, now in his eighty- 
eighth year, and still buoyant in a green old ag(^ ; a ripe 



254 HISTORY OF SCHEXECrADY COUNTY. 

scholar, possessed of a steel memoiy, laden with great stores 
of historic learning, and a personal friend of Robert Fulton. 
This advertisement was truly interesting to me, as a link in 
wonderful contrast between the present and the past ; and as 
such I insert it here for the possible benefit of others, thus : 

THE FIRST STEAMBOAT. 

Traveling on the Hudson in 1808. 
The first steamboat on the Hudson river passed the city of Hudson on 
the 17th of August, 1807. In the Hudson Bee, a newspaper in that city, 
the following- advertisement was published in June, 1808 : 

Steamboat. 
For the Information of the Public . 
The steamboat will leave New York for Albany every Saturday after- 
noon exactly at 6 o'clock, and will pass : 

West Point about 4 o'clock Sunday morning. 
Newburgh, 7 o'clock Sunday morning. 
Poughkeepsie, 11 o'clock Sunday morning, 
Esopus, 2 o'clock in the afternoon. 
Red Hook, 4 o'clock in the afternoon. 
Catskill, 7 o'clock in the aftei-noon. 
Hudson, 9 o'clock in the evening. 

She will leave Albany for New York every Wednesday morning, exactly 
at 8 o'clock, and pass : 

Hudson about three in the afternoon. 
Esopus, 8 in the evening. 
Poughkeepsie, 12 at night. , 

Newbui'gh, 4 Thursday morning. 
West Point, 7 Thursday morning. 

As the time at which the boat may arrive at the different places above 
mentioned may vary an hour or more or less, according to the advantage 
or disadvantage of wind and tide, those who wish to come on board will 
see the necessity of being on the spot an hour before the time. Persons 
wishing to come on board from any other landing than those here speci- 
fied, can calculate the time the boat will pass, and be ready on her arrival. 
Innkeepers or boatman, who bring passengers on board or take them 
ashore from any part of the liver, will be allowed one shilling for each 
person. 

Price of Passage— From New York. 
To West Point - - - - - - $2 50 

Newburgh - - - - - -3 GO 

Poughkeepsie - - - - - 3 50 

Esopus - - - - - - -4 00 

Red Hook - - - - - - ■ 4 50 

Hudson - - - - - - -5 00 

Albany --.... 70O 



SCHENECTADY OF OLDEX TIME. 255 

From Albany. 

To Hudson - - - - - - ?2 00 

Red Hook - - - - - - 3 00 

Esopus ------ 3 .50 

Poughkeepsie - - - - - -4 00 

Newbnrgh and West Point - - - - 4 50 

New York - - - - - - 7 00 

All other passengers are to pay at the rate of §1 for every twenty miles, 
and a half dollar for every meal they may eat. 

Children, from 1 to 5 years of age, to pay one-third price, and sleep 
with the persons undei- whose care they are. 

Young persons, from 5 to 15 years of age, to pay half-price, provided 
they sleep two in a berth, and whole price for each one who requests to 
occupy a whole berth. 

Servants who pay two-thirds price are entitled to a berth ; they pay 
half-price if they do not have berth. 

Every person paying full price is allowed 60 pounds of baggage ; if less 
than whole price, 40 pounds. They are to pay at the rate of 3 cents a 
pound for surplus baggage. Storekeepers who wish to carry light and 
valuable merchandise can be accommodated on paying 3 cents a pound. 

Passengers will breakfast before they come on board. Dinner will be 
served up exactly at 1 o'clock ; tea, with meats, which is also supper, at 
8 in the evening, and breakfast at 9 in the morning. No one has a claim 
on the steward for victuals at any other time. 

I confess great interest in till that relates to Robert Fulton. 
As an artist,'' he was the pupil and companion of the great 
Benjamin AVest, of London, and an associate of our own 
Rembrant Peel, of Philadelphia ; as a civil engineer, the 
intimate friend and adviser of the great canal leader, the Duke 
of Bridowater ; as a machinist, the scholar of Lord Stanhope; 
and in our own country as an inventor, the bosom friend and 
proteo-e of the chancellor, Robert R. Livingston, ot Clermont, 
one of the committee who framed and presented to Congress 
our sublime Declaration of Independence. 

Fulton married the daughter of Walter Livn.gston ot 
Livino-ston, who was the uncle of my father-in-law, AV alter 
T Livino-ston, of Clermont, both of Columbia county ; and 
he was ahvays highly esteemed by all the Livingston fam.hes 
as one of its members. 

Li person, Fulton was tall, slender and well formed; h.s 
manners graceful and dignified; his disposition generous and 
his oreat inventions attest the high superiority ot his attain- 



256 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

ments and talents. He died Febrnaiy 24:th, 1815; bnt as 
nothing from my pen conld do liini justice, I will let his in- 
timate and admiring friend, the illustrious late Judge Joseph 
Story, of the United States Supreme Court, tell the most try- 
ing event of Fulton's lite as taken from his own gra|)hic lips : 
"/, mijself,^^ says Judge Story, " have heard the illustrious 
inventor relate, in an animated and affecting manner, the 
history of his labors and discouragements. When, said Ae, I 
was building my tirst steamboat at New York, the project 
was viewed hy the pubhc, either with indifference or con- 
tempt, as a visit)nary scheme. My friends, indeed, Avere 
civil, but the}" Avere shy. The}'' listened with patience to my 
ex[)lanations, but with a settled cast of incredulity on their 
countenances. I felt the full force of the lamentation of the 
poet : 

Truths would you teach, to save a sinking- land, 
All shun, none aid you, and few understand. 

"As I had occasion to pass daily to and from the building 
yard while my boat was in progress, I have often loitered, 
unknown, near the idle groups of strangers, gathering in little 
circles, and heard various inquiries as to the object of this 
new vehicle. The languag(j was uniformly that of scorn, 
sneer or ridicule. The loud laugh at my ex[)ense ; the dry 
jest; the wise calculation of losses and expenditures ; the dull 
but endless repetition of i\m Fulton folly. Never did a single 
encouraging remark, a bright hope, or a. Avarm Avisli, cross 
my [)alh. Silence itself was but politeness vailing its doubts 
or hiding its reproaches. At length the day arrived when the 
experiment was to be got into operation. Ih ma it was a 
most tvying and interesting occasion. I invited many friends 
to go on l)oard to witness the tirst successful trip. Many of 
them did me the favor to attend, as a matter of i)ersonal re- 
spect; but it was manifest they did it with reluctance, fear- 
ing to be partners of my mortitication ami not of my trium[)h. 
I Avas wcdl aware that in my case there were many reasons 
of doubt of my own success. The machinery (like Fitch's 
belbre him), Avas new and ill made, and many paits of it was 
constructed by mechanics unacquainted with such work, and 



SCHENECTADY OF OLDEN TIME. 257 

iiuexpectetl difficulties might reasonal)ly be presumed to 
present themselves from other causes. The moment ari-ived 
in which the word was to be given for the vessel to move. 
My friends were in groups on the deck. There was anxiety 
mixed with fear among them. They were silent and weary. 
I I'cad in their looks nothing 1)ut disaster, and almost repented 
of my efforts. The signal Avas given, and the boat moved on 
a short distance, and then stopped and became innnovable. 
To the silence of the preceding moment, now succeeded 
miuinurs of discontent and agitations, and whispers and 
shrugs. I could hear distinctly repeated : ' I told you it ivasso; 
it is a foolish scheme ; I wish we were well out of itJ I elevated 
myself upon a platform and addressed the assembly. I stated 
that I knew not what was the matter ; but if they would 
be quiet and indulge me for half an hour, I would either 
go on or abandon the voyage for that time. This short 
respite was conceded without objection. I went below 
and examined the machinery, and discovered that the cause 
was a slight mal-adjustment of some of the work. In a short 
period it was obviated. The boat was again put in motion. 
She continued to move on. All were still incredulous. None 
semed willing to trust the evidence of their own senses. We 
left the fair city of New York ; we passed through the 
romantic and ever-varying Highlands ; we descried the 
clustering houses of Albany ; we reached its shores ; and 
then, even then, when all seemed achieved, I was the victim 
of disappointment. Imagination superceded the iutlucnce of 
fact. It was then doubted if it could be done again ; or if 
done, it was doubted if it could be made of any great value." 
Keturning from this episode, I state that previous to the 
opening of the great Erie canal, as connected with the 
immense land carriage transportation business between Sche- 
nectady and Albany, wagon-making Avas a profitable and 
extensive calling at Schenectady ; and again, nearly all the 
boats used on the Mohawk and western waters, were built at 
this place. The boat yards were located on what is termed 
the Strand street on the river, then much wider than now, 
owing to encroachments and other causes. It was no unconi- 
17 



258 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

moil sight in the War of 1812, to see from twenty -five to 100 
boats on the stocks at the boat yards, extending from near 
the Mohawk bridge to North street. The l)oats that con- 
veyed the arm}' of General Wilkinson down the St. Law- 
rence river were all l^nilt at this phice ; the oak forests of 
our common lands furnished the requisite materials in great 
supply. The principal boat-builders were the Van Slycks, 
Marselis's, Veeders, and Peeks, although there were others. 
The boat-])uilders were generally residents of Front and Green 
streets. At Schenectady a large amount of trade is still carried 
on by means of the canal and railroads that centre here ; but 
the people are more Lirgely engaged in manufactures. One 
of the largest locomotive manufactories in the country is 
established here, which turns out seventy-tive locomotives 
annually. There are also extensive agricultural implement 
works, several machine shops and foundries, two carriage 
factories, planing mills, grain elevators, a shawl factory, two 
breweries, a vise and spring factory, three door and blind 
factories, several broom-making establishments, and many 
other mechanic shops. The city also has three baid'Cs, a 
savings bank, two daily and three weekly newspapers, a State 
arsenal ; is the seat of Union College, has several benevolent 
institutions, and tifteen churches, including a Jewish syna- 
ijoo-ue. Thejhslimd oldest of these churciies is the Reformed 
Prolestant Dutch. But the oldest church building now stand- 
ing is the p4)iscopal. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Attending Church at Albany. 

From the time of the earliest setllement to 1G70, those 
who attended church at all were obliged to visit Albany as 
the nearest point where a church could be reached ; l)ut from 
that time to 1680, occasional services were held at i)riva,te 
dwellings, by supplies from Albany, at which lime a- Dutch 
Reformed congregation was organized, and a church buikling 



ATTENDING CHURCH AT ALBANY. 259 

erected in the public square, at the jiuictioii of what is now 
Church and State streets, in 1G82. This was burned by the 
French and Indians in 1690 ; and about 1702 a new church 
was erected on the same sight, and remained there luitil 1733, 
when, owing to the increase ot" population and its require- 
ments, that building was demolished and another erected and 
completed, in the centre of Church street, at the junction of 
Union and Church streets. This was truly a massive, Gothic 
structure of stone, well rememl^ered by myself and others still 
living. This church was taken down and removed in 1814, 
but not imtil after the chaste and beautiful church building 
on the* adjoining corner \ot, formerly the parsonage, was com- 
pleted and occupied by the congregation. This tine edifice 
was destroyed by lire in 18(U, and on its ruins was soon suc- 
ceeded by the elegant and noble church edifice in which the 
people of wliat is called the First Reformed Congregation 
now worship. 

As the parent church, she can boast of several out-shoots 
or daughters, viz. : two in Rotterdam, two in Glenville, two 
in Niskayuna, one in Princetown, and the Second Reformed 
Cliurch in Schenectady ; to speak of her individual prosperity 
in detail would exceed my limits, and her trials have been sulfi- 
cientlv noted. But as this was one among the oldest churches 
of our State, I deem it proper, in this connection, to add : 

That the Rev. Peiras Tasschemacker was its tirst installed 
pastor, and officiated from 1684 to 1690, when he was sUiin 
by the French and Indians ; that the Rev. Godfreidus DelUus 
supplied the people from 1690 to 1699 ; that the Rev. Ber- 
nardus Freeman was pastcn- from 1700 to 1705; that^the 
Rev. Johannes Lydius supplied the pulpit from 1705 to 
1709 ; that the Rev. Thomas Barclay, an Episcopalian, sup- 
plied the people froui 11 10 for an uncertain time. I have no 
data, except a letter from Mr. Barclay hiinsolf, addressed to 
the Secretary of the Society for the Propagation ot the Gos- 
pel in foreign parts, dated Albany, September 26th, 1710. 
(See Doc. His. of N. Y., Vol. 3, p. 896, etc.) I extract : 

"At Schenectady I preach once a month, Avhere there is a 
o-arrison of forty soldiers, besides about sixteen English and 



260 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

about one hundred Dutch famihes ; they are all of them my con- 
stant hearers. I have this sunnner got an English school 
erected amongst them, and in a short time, I hope, their chil- 
dren will be tit for catechising. Schenectady is a village 
situated upon a pleasant river, twenty English miles above 
Albany, and the first castle of the Indians is twenty-four miles 
above Schenectady. In this village there has been no Dutch 
minister these live years, and there is no probability of any 
being settled among them. There is a convenient and well- 
built church, Avhich they freely give me the use of. I have 
taken pains to shew them the agreement of the articles of our 
church with theirs. I hope in some time to bring them not 
only to be constant hearers, but communicants. 

"Mr. Lydius, the minister of the Dutch congregation at 
Albany, died the first of March last. He was a good, pious 
man, and lived in entire friendship with me ; sent his own 
children to be catechised. At present there is no Dutch 
minister at Albany; neither is any expected until next sum- 
mer, and from New York to the utmost bounds of my parish 
there is no minister but myself" 

Here certainly was a considerable break in the occupation 
of the Dutch Church pulpit at Schenectady, by one of its own 
denomination, for we find : 

That the Rev. Thomas Brower, from Holland, was not 
installed here until 1715, and officiated up to 1728, when he 
died. 

That the Rev. ReinJiardt Errkkson was pastor from 1728 
to 1736. 

That the Reverend Oornelius Van Santvoord was pastor 
from 1742 to 1752, when he died. 

Reverend Barent Vrooman, from 1754 to 1784, when he 
died. 

Reverend Deride B,oineyn, from 1784 to 1804, when he 
died. This divine was unquestionably one of the most dis- 
tin<ruished men in the Dutch Church. He was a Lector in The- 
ology from 1792 to 1797, and a Professor in Theology from 
1797 to 1804. " He ivas a pillar and ornament to society y His 
biographer, Reverend Edward T. Corwin, says of him, in 



ATTENDING CHURCH AT ALBANY. 261 

his mamuil of the Reformed Church in America : "He and 
Dr. Livingston were constant correspondents ; they discussed 
by letter all the important ati'airs of the denomination dur- 
ing its formative period. lie was thecounsehor of Senators, 
the adviser and compeer of the warriors of the Revolution, and 
an efficient co-worker with the patriot. He took the lead in 
his State in giving an impetus to the support and patronage 
of classical learning ; and was greatly instrumental in the 
foundation of Union College at Schenectady." 

In the results of his labors, to the memory of no citizen 
does Schenectady owe more. The Reverend Jacob Sickles 
was his colleague from 1794 to 1797. 

The Reverend John II. Meyer was pastor from 1803 to 
1807, when he died. 

Reverend Cornelius Bogardus, from 1808 to 1811, when 
he died. 

The Reverend Jacob VtmVechien, D. D., for 34 years, from 
1815 to 1849, a long, devoted and successful ministry. 
The Reverend Wm. J. R. Tayler, from 1849 to 1852. 
The Reverend Jnlias Seehje, from 1853 to 1858, when he 
became a Professor of, and is now the President, of Andierst 
College, Mass. 

The Reverend Edward E. Seelye, from 1858 to 1865, 
when he died. 

The Reverend Dennis Wortman, from 1865 to 1870, who 
resigned his charge, and was then succeeded by the Reve- 
rend Ashbel G. Vermilye, who officiated from 1870 to 1876, 
when he resigned his charge, and is now succeeded by the 
Reverend Wi^Uiam E. Grities, who fills the pulpit with much 
acceptance and reputation. 

The second oldest of the religious denominations established 
in Schenectady was the Episcopalian. We have seen " ante'' 
that the Reverend Thomas Barclay, a clergyman of that 
church, officiated here as early as 1710, but there docs not 
seem to have been an Episcopalian organization. He appears 
merely to have supplied a vacancy in the Reformed Dutch 
Church for some consideraljle time with acceptance. But St. 
Georo-e's Church (Protestant Episcopal) was organized in 1 735 



262 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

by the Eeverend Henry Barday, an edilice commenced upon 
its present site in 1702, and was incorporated in 1766, but the 
building was not completed until about the time of its incor- 
poration. 

The construction of the church building was begun in April, 
1762, and the whole ontside structure and a part of the inside 
work was finished and paid for August 23d, 1763. The work 
at the unfinished parts of the inside was continued at different 
times, as fast as me;uis were provided for its payment, until 
February, 1766, when the whole was completed. John 
Broivn, a merchant of Schenectady and a leading mem1)er of 
the chiu'ch, made himself personally responsible for the pay- 
ment of the workmen, and did not alloAV the work to i)rogress 
faster than he and one or two earnest friends of the church 
could, by contributions from their townsmen and others, 
I'aise the money for prompt payment. 

It seems to me this old-school doctrine should have been a 
wholesome example to some of the magnificently incumbered 
churches of the present day. 

This is now the oldest Episcopalian church structure stand- 
ing in the State of New York. Sir William Johnson and his 
son. Sir John, were both contributors to the erection and sup- 
port of this church, occasionally attending its services, and 
when in this place were the guests of Daniel Cam})bell, Esq. 

Most of our old citizens contributed to the erection and 
early support of this chiu'ch, and felt well-disposed towards 
it and its adherents. 

This building has been several times improved and enlarged 
to meet the necessities of a rising and flourishing denomina- 
tion, and is now, in all its surroundings and associations, one 
of the most time-honored church structures in this city or the 
State. 

After its organization by the Eev. Henry Barcla}% St. 
George's Church was served by himself, and missionaries from 
Albany and elsewhere, as follows, viz. : Kevs. John Ogilvie, 
Henry Monroe and William Andreivs. The last gentleman 
closed his ministrations in 1773. The Rev. Mr. Doty was 
the rector here at the opening of the lievolutinary War, and 



ATTENDING CHURCH AT ALBANY. 263 

on his leaving here for Canada, the church was without a rector 
for many years, services being renderd by neighboring cleroy. 
nien. After that suspension the succession was as folh)ws : 

The Eev. R. G. Wetmore, from 1798 to 1803. 

Tlie Rev. Cyrus Stel)bins, D. D., from 1805 to 1819. 

The Rev. Pierre A. Pioal, D. D., from 1821 to 1836. 

The Rev. Wilbam H. AValter, from 1839 to 1842. 

The Rev. John Williams, D. D., from 1842 to 1848 (now 
the venerable Bishop of Connecticut). 

The Rev. William Payne, D. D., from 1848, who is the 
jjresent rector, having held the office many years, and is alike 
distinguished for piety, industry, learning, dignity, and gentle 
courtesy in his intercourse with all. And I will add that, 
although never rectors of the church, the voices of those 
eminent brothers, the Bishops Potter, have often been heard 
with deep-toned, thrilling interest within its walls. 

The Utird oldest of the religious denominations established 
was the Pre.shijlerian. I cannot state what was the earliest 
or<»-anization of this church, except as derived from a learned 
and eloquent discourse delivered by the Rev. J. Trumbull 
Backus, D. D., in 1869, for more than the third of a century 
its pastor — a co})y of which he kindly presented to me. And I 
shall extract therefrom such small portions as are sufficient 
for my purpose : 

"Althouiih the English control began in 1664, the Episco- 
palians had no church in Schenectady until 1737 ; and in 
an application by the wardens and vestry of that church, in 
1765. for a charter and funds, there is an allusion to a Pres- 
byterian organization here. 

^' The ecclesiastical records of that day also refer to a Pres- 
byterian interest here in 1762 ; and from time to time there- 
after, we tind presljyterial notices of 'jmlpit supjjUes' for 
Schenectady. 

" Public and private records detei-mine that there was some 
Presbyterian place of worship in Schenectady before 1769 ; 
thouoii what it was, and Avhere, we cannot tell. In that year 
a new church edifice was undertaken, which, in 1771, was 
not completed. That church building stood nearly wIkm-g js 



264 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

HOW the chapel. It was uiipreteiKling, hut was ornamented 
hy a spire and bell, and was highly appreciated in its day.* 

" During the Kevolution, church affairs appear to have 
been not a little neglected. It is iinpossil)le to say what was 
done here then to sustain the institutions of religion. But 
inniiediately after, there was much immigration from the sea- 
board to this part of the State, important portions of which 
were from New Jersey. Numbers of Presbyterian antece- 
dents came from Elizabeth, in that State ; and the names of 
Halsey, Price, Lyon, Chandler and Meeker became familiar, 
and respected here, as they were (and are) in a region fra- 
grant with the memories of Caldwell and Dickenson. 

" In 1795 Dr. John Blair Smith came to the presidency of 
Union College, and occupied the pulpit most of the time, 
until the settlement of the next pastor, Eev. Robert Smith, 
who was installed in 1796 ; and with his oiEcial relation 
the existing pastoral records of communicants, baptisms and 
marriages were commenced. There were thirty-seven church 
members and four elders (Messrs. Kelly, Walmsley, Taylor 
and McAtyre), who had been ordained the previous year by 
Dr. John B. Smith." 

And I gather from a note made by Dr. Backus, as an in- 
teresting item of information at this late day, that among the 
pew-holders of the Presbyterian Church in 1796, were 
Stephen N. Bayard, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, AValter L. 
Cochrane, Alexander Mercer, James Duane, Richard Dun- 
can, John Kane, David Tomlinson, Joseph C. Yates, Gilbert 
R. Livingston and Peter Suydam. 

In 1809 Professor Henry Davis was elected and installed 
an elder of this church. He subsequently became President 
of Middlebarij College, Vermont, and afterwards President 
of Hamilton College, N. Y. 

At this time a new church edifice was undertaken, and 

* Note by myself. — The Presbyterian meeting-house, so called, was 
built by Samuel Fuller. The frame was raised June 1st and 2d, 1770, 
and the whole structure completed in 1771. Payments for the .building 
were made by James Shuter and Andrew McFarlan, according to their 
written agreement with the builder. 



ATTENDING CHURCH AT ALBANY. 265 

the corner stone laid July 3(1, 1809, the old church neiir the 
street, after standing tbrt_y years, was demolished before the 
completion of the new one, and dnring the interval i)ul)lic 
wor.ship was maintained in the then College Cha[)el. This 
new church has heen twice eidarged (in 1834 and 18")!)), and 
the old " Se.s.'iWii House " also gave place (1843) to the 
chapel, to which (in 1857) " The Session Room. " was added. 

And on a calm view of the subject, I clearl}- agree with the 
learned Dr. Backus, where he claims, in substance: "That 
from a beginning of great feebleness, and while the history of 
two-thirds of the life of this church recalls conflict and trial; 
for Ritualism and Evangelicism long contended here for the 
mastery. National and ecclesiastical prejudices doubtless 
intensifying the coiifiicfc; yet the elements of character incor- 
})orated in this church, though nationally so diverse — Scotch, 
Irish and Americans — while ditiering exceedingly in customs 
and peculiarities, fraught with reciprocal prejudices, were 
almost of the same mind in their deep sense of religion; their 
ind(miitable enterprise and their sturdy love of liberty; and 
in this church, by social ties and religious communion, we 
have, thi'ough the working of these elements, become (me 
people, a Christian family, a brotherhood, a church so gra- 
ciously dealt with, that it is far from inferior to any congre- 
gation in the connnunity." 

The following is a list of xmstors and supplies from 1771 to 
4t,h July, 1876 : 

Rev. Alexander Miller, ------- 1771, etc. 

" John Young, - l'?87 to 1790. 

Dr. John Blair Smith, President of Union Colleg-e, - 1795, etc. 

Rev. Robert Smith, ------- 179(5 to 1801. 

" Matthew Clarkson, ------ 1801 to 1803. 

" John B. Romeyn, D. D., - - - - - 1803 to 1804. 

" Nathaniel Todd, - - ----- - 1805 to 1806. 

" Alexander Monteith, ----- 1809 to 1815. 

" Hooper Cumming-s, 181-> t» ISl'^- 

Drs. Nott and McAuley, 1^1'' '« l^"^^- 

Rev.Walter Monteith, 1820 to 1826. 

" Erskine Mason, D. D., 18:^7 to 1830. 

" William James, D. D., 18^b ^t"- 

" J. Trumbull Backus, D. D., - - - - l^^'-^ to 1873. 



T. G. Darlino 



1873 to 



266 HISTORY OF SCIIENFXTADY COUNTY. 

Dr. Backus withdrew in 1873 from the [)iilpit of the Pres- 
byterian Chiu'ch after a })a.storate of more tlian forty years, 
having- tilled the whole term with distinguished ability, 
fidelity and great acceptance, deeply beloved by his extensive 
congregation, and highly valued by our whole community 
for his abundant charities and virtues. He still retains a 
clear mind, retined manners, the accomplishments of a wide 
and varied learning, and enjoys the honors due to a life of 
great nsefuhiess and labor. 

The pastorate of Dr. Backus has been lunisually long for 
this church — forty years. No other pastor had remained six 
years, the average having been less than four, and the aggre- 
gate of all who have preceded not amounting to his one 
term of forty years. In his lal)ors he was eminently suc- 
cessful, there having been more than 1,000 accessions, of 
whom 600 were upon confession during his ministry. 

The present incumbent is the Hev. T. G. Darlmg, whose 
genial nature, courteous manners, and admirable perform- 
ance of the duties of his charge, are highly appreciated J)y 
all who sit under his teachings, or are honored with his 
friendship. 

The fouvtJt oldest of the religious denominations established 
was the Meihodisl Episcopal. From the best information I 
can ol)tain of the rise 'ind progress of Methodism in Sche- 
nectady, it appears that Capt. Thomas Webb, an officer in 
the army of Great Britain, was licensed by the great John 
Wesley as a local preacher. 

A short time al'terwards he was sent from England to the 
State of New Yoi-k on military duty, aud stationed at 
Albany. In 1767 he came to Schenectady, and was probably 
the tirst ]\Iethodist who ever visited this place. I shall make 
a few extracts from an address delivered by Kev. Samuel 
JMcKean, ]March 11th, 1860, then pastor of the church : 

" He soon began to proclaim here, also, the glad tidings 
of salvation. There was standing, at that time, on the east 
side of Church street, near Union, a building used for bolt- 
ing flour ; in this building this soldier of the cross preached 
the Word. He also preached in the house of Giles Van 



ATTENDING CHURCH AT ALBANY. 267 

Vorst, on Union street ; the house then occupyinir the si)()t 
on which the dweHing of Mr. Van Vorst's "rund-dauuhter, 
Mrs. Soi)hiM Ckite, now stands. In tliesc places Webb 
preached several times. 

'^ It was a strange sight liere, as well as at New York, for 
a military officer, arrayed in the habiliments of his ofKce, with 
his sword by his side, or laying on the table ])efore him, to as- 
sume the place of an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

" The people went to hear him out of curiosity, but were not 
nnfrequently wounded by the sword of the Spirit, which he 
wielded with great power. Among those who were con- 
verted under his preaching were Nichohis Van Patten, Giles 
Brower, Eachel Barhydt, and the wife of Giles Van Vorst, 
in whose honse he [)reached ; also a colored man and a colored 
woman, who were slaves. 

"The second Methodist preacher Avho visited the city was 
the immortal Geoi-ge Whitetield. This was in the j^ear 1770, 
and some three or four 3ears snbsecpient to the visit of Capt. 
AVebb. He was at this time making his last tour in America, 
and preaching his last sermons on earth. Enthusiastic 
crowds, comprised of all grades and conditions of society, 
flocked to hear him wherever he went. 

" In the year 18U7, there resided in this city a local 
preacher of the Methodist Church by the name of Benjaniin 
Akin. A few persons who had occasionally heard the 
Methodists preach, and were favorable to their doctrines, 
invited him to preach to them. In Jannary of that year he 
beffan to i)reach in the house of liichard Clute, on Green 
street. In the course of a few weeks Frederick and Richard 
Clute were converted," and during the same year twelve 
others, one highly esteemed citizen, the late Mr. Cornelius 
L. Barhydt, among them. And it is now a matter of i)l€as- 
ant rejection to remember how often the writer has seen, 
conversed with, and admired those three veteran Methodists. 

In the conference year, ending j\Iay, 1807, the Rev. An- 
drew McKean was preacher in charge on Albany circuit. 
He formed the converts into a society, and organized the tirst 
Methodist Episcopal Church in 8ehenectadij. 



268 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

" At the conference which was held May 2d, 1807. Sche- 
nectady ch'cuit was formed, and Samuel Howe appointed to 
it as preacher. The circuit eml)raccd the city, and a number 
of appointments in the surrounding country. ]\Ir. Howe 
preached here once in four weeks, occup3'ing as preaching- 
phice Eichard Chite's dwelling until autumn ; he then 
removed to a small house in Liberty street. 

" In the spring of 1808, the preacher appointed to this cir- 
cuit was 8et]i CroweJl. He preached in a building on State 
street, which was kindly furnished him l)y its owner, Dorsey 
Joyce. In 1809, they erected a church on tlie northeast 
corner of Liberty and Canal streets, where the canal now 
runs. It was at tirst merely inclosed, so that the people 
could meet in it. It was left without walls, and the seats 
consisted of loose boards placed on l)l()cks. It remained in 
this condition for several years, when it was completed and 
made quite commodious." 

In this rude temple the Methodists worshiped for twenty- 
six years, until the lot on which their church stood Avas 
needed for the canal, when it was removed a short distance 
to the northwest, where it was placed with its front on Union 
street, and here it remained until this lot was required for the 
railroad. Several excellent preachers were from time to time 
appointed for this church, until 1816, when this society 
ceased to be connected with the circuit, and Ijecame a station 
under the pastoral charge of the liev. Laban Clark, who 
continued two years, until 1818. The number of church 
mend)ers was then about tifty, Mr. Clark has been suc- 
ceeded respectively up to this time by the following clergy- 
men : 

Rev. William Thacher fi-oin 1818 to 1820. 

" Samuel Luckey, subsequently D. D., his sermons 

were chaste, pui-e and elevated in style, from - 1820 to 1822. 

" James M. (Smith fi-om _ . . _ _ ]S22 to 1824. 

" Daniel Brayton from ------ 1824 to 1826. 

*' Georg-e Coles from 182(3 to 1828. 

" Buel Goodsell from ------ 1828 to 1830. 

" Coles Carpenter from ----- 1830-to 1882. 

" Salmon Stebbins from - 1832 to 1833. 

" James B. Hou^rhtaliiiir iVom - - - _ 183;} to 1835. 



ATTENDING CHURCH AT ALBANY. 269 

Up to this time the society had worshiped in the old 
church which was erected in 1809, and numbei'ed about 195 
members. Bat daring the second year of Mr. Houghtaling-'s 
administration, the ground upon which the church stood was 
needed for raih-oad purposes, when both lot and church 
were accordingly sold. A new, more spacious and com- 
modious church was erected on Liberty street, which was 
completed and dedicated in 1836, in the time of Rev. 
Ti-uman Seymour, who served from - - . . 1835 to 1S3G. 

Rev. Noah Levings. who subsequently received the 

degree of D. D. from Union College, from - - 1836 to 1838. 
Dr. Nott, the Pi-esident of Union College, as well as 
thousands of others who listened to the persuasive words 
which fell from his lips, held in high estimation his talents 
and eloquence. 

Rev. Ephi-iara Goss fi-om - 1838 to 1840. 

" Stephen Remington from ----- 1840 to 1842. 

" John Harwood from - - - - . 1842 to 1844. 

" Andrew Witherspoon, subsequently Dr. Wither- 

spoon, from ------- 1844 to 1845. 

" James Rawson, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

from -------- 1845 to 1847. 

♦' John Fi-azer, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

from -------- 1847 to 1849. 

" Allen Steele, a scholar and attractive preachei-, 

from -------- 1849 to 1850. 

** Barnes M. Hall, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

from -------- 1850 to 1853. 

" Henry L. Starks, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

from -------- 1853 to 1854. 

" Merrit Bates, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

from -------- 1854 to 1856. 

" J. K. Cheesman, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

fi-om -------- 1856 to 1858. 

" Samuel McKean, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

IVom -------- 1858 to 1860. 

" Henry L. Stai'ks, a scholar and atti-active preachei-, 

f,.o,i^ - - 1860 to 1863. 

" J. K. Cheesman, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

fj.Qj^j -------- 1863 to 1865. 

" A. J. Jutkins, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

f,.om -------- 1865 to 1868. 

" F. Widmer, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

from -------- 1868 to 1870. 

" J. W. Eaton, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

f,om -------- 1870 to 1873: 

" D W. Gates, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

from -------- 1873 to 1876. 

«' George J. Brown, a scholar and attractive preacher, 

from -------- 18^«^« 



270 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUx\TY. 

AMio is tlio present incumbent or minister, :ind through my 
introduction to him, l)y my excellent friend Ira Brownell, 
Esq., and other ini'ormation, I am sure this eloquent preacher 
is the right Christian in the right place. But I cannot dwell 
that to show this church is eminentl_y prosperous ; I need 
only to say its present membership is about 500, and i)oint 
to its magnificent, noble church edifice at the corner of State 
and La Fayette streets. 

The p'ff/i oldest of the churches established at Schenec- 
tady is i\\Q Baptist, and as I cannot improve the historical 
statement made by its present admirable pastor. Reverend 
Horace G. Day, in 18(37, and b)' him kindl\' loaned to me, 
I will insert it entire, as follows.: 

"The First Baptist church of Schenectady was consituted No- 
vember 21st, 1822, with thirty-six members, principally from 
that motherof churches' The old Clifton Park Baptist church ; ' 
Elder Abijah Peck, the pastor of that church, was the founder 
of this, and for many years its trusted counsellor and friend. 

" In 1823, the Rev. Nathan N.AVhiting, pastor of a Dutch 
Church in Princetown, became a convert to our views of 
baptism, and oticred himself for membership, was received 
and b;q)tised, and l)y advice of counsel ordained as first 
pastor ot" the church. 

" Tills year the church united with the Shaftsbury Ba[)tist 
Association, reporting a membership of 45. From 1825 to 
1827 the Rev. John Cooper occupied the i)astoral oifice. In 
1837 the church erected their first house of worship 

"After ))eing destitute for some time, Richmond Taggart 
was settled as pastor in 1830. He was succeeded in 1833 l)y 
the Rev. Abram D. Gillette, whose i)ast()rate of three years 
Avas eminently successful, being permitted to add to the 
church over 100 members by baptism. For one }ear, in 1835, 
J. M. Graves served the church as pastor. 

"He was followed by Reverend Philander G. Gillette in 
1837, who baptised forty-two. He was succeeded by the 
Reverend Cowant Sawyer, who occupied the position in 1839 
and 1840. Under his successful ministry the membership 
of the church increased to three hundi'cd. 



ATTENDIXG CHURCH AT ALBANY. 271 

"In 1840 twenty-eight brethi-eii and sisters were dismissed 
to form a B:i})tist church in the vilUig-e of Scotia. 

" In 1842 Rev. Laroy Church was ordained as pastor, and 
continued in that relation three years, baptizing ninety-three 
in the feUowshi]^) of the church. 

" During the years 1845-6, tlie Reverend Wilham Arthur 
served the church as [)astor. During his ministry the annoy- 
ance to the Sabbath service, from the proximity of the meet- 
ing-house to the railroad depot, seriously affected its pros- 
perity. 

In 1847, the present pastor was settled over the church. 
The ten years following was a desperate struggle for life. In 
1849 it reached its lowest point of depression, having a mem- 
bership of only 163. Our house of worshi[) was heavily 
mortgaged ; Ave were in litigation with the raili'oad compauy 
for damage to our property by distiu'biug our worshi[) on 
the Sabbath, which litigation never resulted in any ))enoHt to 
the church pecuniarily or otherwise. 

"At length our house was sold, leaving us still embarrassed 
Avith debts. These were at leugth settled, and then com- 
menced the long struggle for a new house of worship. Our 
success Avas such that in January, 1853, avc entered our lec- 
ture-room, and by a last, grand struggle avc succeeded in 
completing our house and dedicating it to the service of 
God in 1856. The entire cost of the property was about 
$11,000 ; its present value is at least $25,000. 

" The last ten years of our history have more than rewarded 
ns for the labor and endurance of the previous ten ; for they 
have been years of prosperity and progress. The contrast 
in the numl)er baptized is a tine illustration of the value of a 
good house of Avorship, viz., lifty-seveu in the first ten years, 
271 in the last ten. 

"In the forty-five years of its existence the church has 
licensed twenty-two young men to preach the gospel, and 
baptized into its felloAvship 849 persons. Its present mem- 
bership is 366 — June, 1867. 

" HORACE G. DAY, Pastor^ 



272 HISTORY or Schenectady county. 

The Baptist Church is situated ou Union, east of Centre 
street, and is a neat, commodious structure. Who can read 
the foregoing synopsis of its history without admiring the 
Christian galhmtry of its pastors, and the heroic faith and 
fidelity of its people ? 

My friend, the present pastor, Rev. Horace G. Day, 
informs me that at this time the number of members is 394 ; 
and after his pastorate in that church for nearly thirty years, 
I can inform him that in view of his Christian, amiable, 
and u.-eful life, none in our borders are more beloved and 
respected than himself, A true, earnest, and eloquent soldier 
of the cross, his manners ai-e so gentle, he seems unconscious of 
his own powers. Thus much it Avas deemed proper to say 
about the three old churches of Schenectady's early days, 
and the two of her middle age. There are ten others of 
various denominations, all of them respectable and some 
of them very ilourishing, but si)ace and want of time pre- 
clude details. There is al)undant op[)()rtuuity for religious 
and intelligent usefulness with all. 

I have already said my object in this narrative was to speak 
of Schenectady, its pioneers and their surroundings as they 
existed in the olden time, and to ascertain facts with as much 
accuracy as possible from all reliable sources, for the informa- 
tion of the present and future generations. I must limit my 
labor and carry out my original design. For the data and 
statistics of its noble college and clia[)el, its railroads, its 
munici[)al regulations, its benevolent institutions, its beautiful 
and extensive cemetery, its public buildings and other modern 
improvements, I refer, for satisfactory and quite full informa- 
tion, '' to the Historical and Statistical Gazetteer of JVew 
York State, published in 1860, by J. 11. French, Esq., atp. 594, 
etc.; and to ''the Gazetteer of the same State, published in 
1872, by FranJdin B. Hough, M. D., at p. 598," etc. 



WASHINGTOXS VISITS TO SCHENECTADY. 273 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Washington's Visits to Schenectady. 

As connected with the history of Schenectady's Revolu- 
tionary incidents, and as the question has frequently been 
asked : •' When and how often has General Wasldnglon visited 
this place ? " I deem it not inappropriate to state here the 
information I have on the subject, thus : I answer, three 
times, as derived from my father and other old citizens. 

TJie firnl occasion was a hurried visit, soon after the com- 
mencement of the Revolutionary War, to make arrangements 
for frontier defense. He then dined and lodged at the resi- 
dence of John Glen, who then was Quartermaster of the 
department, and his brother, Henry Glen, deputy, stationed 
at Schenectady. He also took tea at the residence of my 
grandfather. John Sanders. 

The second occasion was while at Alljany in 1782. General 
Washington was invited by the citizens of Schenectady to 
visit the place, which invitation he accepted ; and in com- 
pany with General Philip Schuyler rode there in a carriage 
from Albany, on the 30th of June. He was received with 
great honor by the civil and military authorities, and a public 
dinner was given him at the hotel of Robert Clinch, situated 
on the south corner of State and Water streets (destroyed in 
the great tire of 1819, and one of the houses spared in the 
destruction of 1<)90). Robert CHnch came to America as a 
drum-major under General Braddock, and was well known 
l)y General Washington— a fact which added much to the 
interest of the occasion. 

At the dinner table were assembled the principal citi- 
zens of the place ; and as guests. Generals Washington and 
Schuyler, Colonels Abraham Wemple and Frederick Vischcr ; 
the last, one of the surviving heroes of the sanguinary battle 
of Oriskany. As a mark of honor, Washington assigned the 
seat on the right, next his own, to the gallant Vischcr. 
18 



274 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

All uddrcss was made to Washing-ton, and before he 
returned to Albany- he wrote the following reply : 

" To the Magistrates and Military Officers 

of the Township of Schenectady : 

" Gentlemen — I request you to accept my warmest 
thanks for your atiectionate address. In a cause so just and 
righteous as ours, we have every reason to hope the Divine 
Providence Avill still continue to crown our arms with success, 
and linally compel our enemies to grant us that peace, upon 
equitable terms, which we so ardently desire. 

" May you. and the good people of this town, in the mean- 
time be protected from every insidious and open foe ; and 
may the complete blessings of peace soon reward yom- ardu- 
ous struggle for the establishment of the freedom and inde- 
pendence of our common country. 

''GEO. WASHINGTON. 

" Schenectady, June 30(7i, 1782." 

To correct the mis-impressions of some as to the hotel, I 
remark that Thomas B., the son of Kobert Clinch, subse- 
quently kept public house in the old Arent Bradt building, 
No. 7 State street, subsequently at Clinch's Hotel (afterwards 
called the Sharratt House), and died 22d May, 1830. Our 
fellow-citizen, Mr. Henry Tripp, is the grandson of the late 
Thomas B. Clinch. 

The third occasion was during Washington's tour through 
the country in 1786, as far west as Fort Stanwix, in company 
with Governor George Clinton, General Hand, and many 
other officers of the New York line. In passing through 
Schenectaty, he again quartered at the hotel of his old army 
acquaintance, Robert Clinch. Yet the precise date I can- 
not lix. 



PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS. 275 

CHAPTER XV. 

Patriotism of the Citizens. 

But, returning from this departure, I state, as connected 
with our great Revohitionary struggle, that tlie mass of the 
inhabitants of Schenectady were devotedly the sons of liberty, 
and intensely in earnest ; but it must be confessed that a few 
of our most wealthy men were prudent (I had almost written 
non-committal), and exceptionally, from habit, would pray 
for the King. 

The first gun was fired and the first blood flowed at Lex- 
ino-ton, on the 19th day of Apiil, 1775 ; and on the 6th of 
May foUowinix, at a meeting of the freeholders and inhabit- 
ants of the township of Schenectady, the following persons 
were unanimously chosen to be a committee of correspon- 
dence, safety and protection for the township : 

Kinier Mynderse, James Wilson, Hugh xMitehell, Henry 
Glen, Harmanus Wendell, Abraham Oothout, John Rose- 
boom, Christopher Yates, Cornelius Cuyler, and Jacobus 
Teller. Christopher Yates (father of the late Hon. Joseph 
C. Yates), was made chairman ; Hugh Mitchell (grandfather 
of the late Hon. Thomas B. Mitchell), was made clerk. 

I have before me a minute book of 162 closely written 
paijes, kept by that committee and their successors, now 
berono-ing to the iil)rary of Union College, presented to that 
instituticm as a valuable relic of our Revolutionary trials by 
our fellow-citizen, Edward Rosa, Esq. ; and although deeply 
interestincr on each page, I can only select a few items or 
extracts U) show how paUiotic, multiform, and extensive were 
the duties and labors of that committee ; and, in the mass 
of interest, even that selection is difiicult. 

This committee met often, and on the Sih of May, 1775, 
resolved that their future meetings should be held at the 
house of William White, located on Church street, between 
the present classical school premises and the residence ot the 



276 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

late Ste[)hen Yates, Esq., and occupied by his father, the late 
Hon. Henry Yates, until it was burned down in the disas- 
trous conflagration of 1819. 

And it was further I'esolved, that all the members of the 
committee attend the genei'al meeting of the committees of 
safet}^ to be held at All)any, on tlie 10th inst. 

From the minutes of May IG//^ 1775, I extract : 

" Received a letter from the chairman of the committee at 
Albany, acquainting this board that Daniel Canqjbell, Esq., 
has a quantity of gunpowder in store at Albany, which he 
Avishes to take out, but this committee refused him that lib- 
erty until they acquainted this board of the same. 

" Having taken the contents of said letter into considera- 
tion, and foreseeing the evil consequent that may attend the 
j)owder falling into the hands of our enemies, 

" llefiolved, That this l)oard will purchase the said powder 
from Daniel Campbell, for the use of the inhabitants of this 
township and others who may stand in need thereof." 

I e\tract from the minutes of May ^2Uh, 111b : 

" i?e.s•o^^'e(i, Tlmt this board do now purchase 335 lbs. of 
gunpowder from Daniel Campbell, Esq., at 3^. per 11). 

" i?e.9ofee<i. That said [)owder l)e delivered in custody of 
John Post and John G. Lansing, and that they dispose of it 
to the public as hereinafter directed. Said Post and Lan- 
siug are ordered to dispose of the powder at os. Oc?. per 
pound; 3,s'. lOc/. by the half-pound; 46'. by the quarter; and 
not to dispose of any of it to any person who lives out of the 
township without an order from a member of the connnittee." 

Fi'om the minutes of May ^^th, 1775, I extract : 

"A sub-connnittee from the county of Try on waited on 
this board to inform us of the state of atfairs in that county, 
which they looked upon to he dangerous in res[)ect to the 
Indians, and requested a sup[)ly of powder. 

" Resolved^ To furnish them with fifty pounds of powder." 

From the minutes of May 29th, 1775 : 

" In consequence of a request of the connnittee of All)any 
to raise one comi)any of men for the Continental service to 
go toTicantarog (Ticonderoga), consisting of one captain, one 



PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS. 277 

lieuteiiaiit, one ensign, three sergeants, three corporals, one 
drnninier, one titer and tit'ty privates, 

''Resolved, That CornelinsVan D^yck is ap[)ointed Captain, 
Bcnj. Hilton, Lienteiiant, and Cornelius Van Slyck, Ensign, 
and that the utmost dispatch be made in raising said com- 
pany ; their pay to be as follows, viz. : 

" Captain, per month, XG ; Lieutenant, per month, £\ ; 
Ensign, per month, £3 ; Sergeants, per month, X2 ^s.\ Cor- 
porals, per month, X2 4^-.; Drummer, per month, X2 4^'.; 
Fifers, per month, £2 4^. ; Privates, per month, £2, all law- 
ful money of New England, 

''Resolved, That every officer and soldier belonging to any 
of the companies now raised or to be raised within this town- 
ship, sign tlie association recommended by the honorable the 
Continental Congress, and that no person muster or appear 
under arms in any of the com[)anies who do not comply with 
this resolve. 

"Resolved, That instructions be immediately given to Cap- 
tain Van Dyck for raising his compan}^" 

From the minutes of May 31s^, 1775: 

" Captain Van Dyck made application to this board for 
provision for his men. 

"Resolved, That Captain Van Dyck's men be boarded for 
the present at the houses of John AVilson and Kobert ]\Ioslon 
(Moyston), at the rate of one shilling. New York currency, 
per da}' per man.'' 

From tJie minutes of Jail/ 10th, 1775: 

" Information being given to this board that a quantity of 
musket-balls, the property of the Government, were stored in 
the house of Margaret Van Antwerp, at the wostina : 

"Resolved, That said balls be immediately sent for and 
taken into custody by this board, to be disposed of as shall 
hereafter be judged necessary; said balls weighed 8 lbs., 1 
oz., and were deTivered in charge to Harmanus Wendell." 

From the minutes of Vdth July, 1775 : 

" Orders from General Schuyler to Captain Van Dyck to 
march with his company immediately to Lake George, 
havino- been shown to this board by Lieutenant Lansing, 



278 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Captain Van Dyck and his First Lieutenant being both 
absent recruiting : 

''Resolved, That the company march to-morrow, under 
the command of Lieutenant Lansing, and that the men be 
ordered to hold themselves in readiness. 

" The men l)eing drawn up and made acquainted with 
this resolve, absolutely refused to march without their 
Captain ; therefore, 

''Resolved, That an express be sent to Captain Van Dyck, 
requesting his immediate return, to march with his company, 
and that a letter be sent to General Schuyler, acquainting 
him of the reason for the company's delay." 

From the minutes of 11th July, 1775 : 

" Frederick Fisher applied to this board for some balls 
for the use of the inhabitants of Tryon county. 

"Resolved, To furnish him with 200 w^eight of balls, at the 
rate of 40*. per hundred. 

"Resolved, That Captain Van Dyck be furnished with fifty 
weight of balls for the use of his company. 

From the minutes of Uh August, 1775 : 

" This board being informed that Daniel Campbell, Esq., 
and Alexander Ell ice, intend going up to Niagara and from 
thence to Montreal, 

"Resolved, That Messrs. Campbell and EUice ije sent for 
and examined relative to their intentions of going up the 
country. 

" Said Campl)ell and Ellice being sent for and present, 
declared upon their honor that they were going up the coun- 
try on their private business, and that they would not carry 
any letters or messages of news to or from any person, who 
was inimical to the American cause. 

"Resolved, That Messrs. Campbell and Ellice be permitted 
to go, and that a certificate be given them."' 

From tlie minutes of Se/ptember Gth, 1775 : 

"Resolved, That James Wilson and Ilarmanus Wendell 
are appointed to be a sub-committee to attend at the next 
general committee, at Albany, the seventh inst., and lay a 
list of the officers appointed for the five companies of Minute 



PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS. 279 



Men and Militia before that board, and apply for their eoni- 
missions, 

''Rank of the companijs officers: 

" Jellis J. Fonda, 1st Ca[)tain ; John Mynderse, 2d Cap- 
tain ; John Van Patten, 3d Captain ; Abnihani Wemple, 
4th Captain ; Thomas Wasson, 5th Captain." 
From the minutes of September '21th, 1775 : 
" Having received a letter from the Provincial Congress, 
dated ninth August, requesting that all the districts who 
could raise live companies of militia, should recommend such 
persons as they thought proper to be iield officers, 

''Resolved, That tliis board recommend the following per- 
sons, viz., Abraham Weni[)le, to be Colonel ; Jacob Schermer- 
horn, Lieutenent-Colonel ; Abraham Swits, 1st Major ; 
Nicholas Veeder, 2(1 Major ; Aaron Van Patten, Adjutant ; 
John Peek, Quarter master." 

From the minutes of November 17th, 1775 : 
" The commissions for the several officers appointed in this 
township being now come to hand, with instructions to this 
board to cause said officers t(^ sign certain articles on the re- 
ceipt of their connnissions." 

All this was sul)sequently consummated, and the officers 
reconnnended received their commissions, and as an evidence 
of the scarcity of gunpowder at that critical period, I extract 
fiom the minutes 29th December, 1775, as follows : 

" Tliis board having taken into consideration the custom of 
the inhabitants of this place of tiring guns on New Year's 
day, and finding said custom to be attended with an unneces- 
sary waste of powder, which ought to be particularly pre- 
vented at this time, 

"Resolved, That the magistrates be applied to, to use their 
authority in putting a stop to said custom." 

As an' illustration of the necessities and spirit of the tunes, 

I will make a few more extracts and close." 

Frotn the minutes of December ISth, 1775 : 

"Resolved, That Cornelius Cuyler deliver the donation 

money for the relief of the poor of Boston, now m hands, 

which is X73, New York currency, to Hugh Mitchell, which 



280 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

sum is to remain in his hands until ways and means be found 
to convey the same to Boston." 

From the minutes of January IWi, 1776 : 

"Two men from Warrenbush (Florida), on their way from 
Albany, happened to be in company with one William Bur- 
ton, at the Five Mile house, who told them he was sent up 
from the Secretary's office, at New York, with letters to the 
sheriifs of the several counties. They suspecting that said 
Burton might have other private letters to some of the 
enemies of the country, therefore brought said Burton and 
his letters before this board. 

" Said Burton being examined, declared he had no letters 
about him, but one to Alexander White, Sheriff of Tryon 
county, in which was the Governor's warrant for holding a 
new election inclosed, and one for Sir John Johnson, the con- 
tents of which he did not know. 

''Resolved, That the letter to Sir John Johnson be 
opened, and, the same being done, it proved to be a letter 
from Judge Jones, of New York, on private business." 

From the minutes of January lUh, 1776 : 

" Captain John Mynderse with the officers of the Minute 
Men made their appearance befoi-e this board Avith a number 
of men, and set out immediately in sleighs for Albany. 

''Resolved, That orders be immediately sent to Captain 
John Van Patten to place guards at AVilliam De Graff's, 
Tunis Swarfs and Lewis Peek's, to prevent any unfriendly 
persons or letters from passing upwards. 

"Resolved, That the following letter Ije sent to James 
McMaster, and the committee of Warrensbush : 

" Sir — We being suspicious that news may be carried to 
Johnstown of what is now going on here, we are about 
to place guards on both sides of the river to prevent any 
person from passing upwards who are not known to be 
friends of the American cause ; we, therefore, request you 
will take such ste})S as will prevent any news passing through 
Warrensbush, and that you will examine all letters you are 
suspicious of." 

Here follow entries of the apprehension and trial of several 



PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS. 281 

persons charged with being enemies to the American ctuise, 
and resulted in committing some of them to gaol at Alljany ; 
among them George Mnrray, Joseph Kingsley and George 
Eamsay." 

From the minutes loth April, 1776 : 

"James Ellice applied to this board for a certiticate of his 
character to General Schu}ler, in order to oI)tain a pass 
from him to go up the country. 

'■'Resolved, That on his taking the following affidavit, that 
the trade he carries on is here, and that he intends to carry 
on if i)ermitted up the country, is entirely on his own 
account, and that he is noways bound to give or be accoun- 
table to either James Phyn, or Alexander or Robert Ellice 
for any part of the profits arising fi-om said trade." 

Which having been accomplished, the following certificate 
was given to him : 

" This is to certif}' that the bearer, Mr. James Ellice, 
hath signed the General Association, and hath not, to our 
knowledge, done anything against the American cause of 
Liberty. 

" Given under my hand, 

" DIPvK VAN INGEN, Chairman. 

"Schenectady, Izth April, 177(3." 

"James Ellice informed this board that his brother, 
Robert, intends going up the country this spring, and that 
he intends sending his clerk, George' Forsith, up the country." 

Whereupon the following letter was written by the board : 

" In Committee Chambek at Schenectady, } 
" 13^// April, 1776. S 

" Honored Sir— James Ellice, who was just now Avith 
this board and obtained a certificate that he hath signed the 
General Association, informed us that his brother, R()bert 
Ellice, intends going up the country to settle his business 
there, and that James Ellice intends to send his clerk, George 
Forsith, up the country. We beg leave to acquaint you 



282 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY 

thiit neithei- of the Ml)i)ve-n:imed persons luitli ever signed the 
General Association, and we look on them to be enemies to 
the American canse of Liberty. 

" We are, etc. 

"To the Hon. Philip Schuyler, JSIajor-Generaiy 

From the minutes of 17 th April, 1776 : 

" Keceived a letter from Daniel Cami)bell, Esq., reqnesting 
a recommendation from this board, in order to obtain a pass- 
port from General Schuyler to send goods up the country to 
Messrs. Andrews and Meldrum. 

'^Resolved, That Mr. Campbell cannot have a recommenda- 
tion from this 1)oard to General Schuyler. 

" Henry Miller and John Jeflreys made application for 
passports to go down the country. 

''Resolved, To give said Miller and JetiVeys passports." 

From tJie minutes of April 22d, 1776 : 

"James Stewart, Charles Martin, John Eobinson, and 
Andrew McFarlan made application to this board for certifi- 
cates, in order to obtain passports from General Schuyler to 
go up the coimtry. 

" Resolved, That a certificate be given to each of them, 
mentioning that they have not signed the General Associa- 
tion, but in other respects have appeared to be true friends 
to the American cause. 

" Robert Ellice and Charles Morrison made application to 
this board for certificates, in order to ()])tain passports to go 
up the country. 

" The board being of opinion that they were both enemies 
to the cause of American Liberty ; thereupon, 

''Resolved, That they cannot have certificates from this 
board." 

It will, from these few extracts, be seen that our Revolu- 
tionary fathers early considered vigilance the hand-maid of 
liberty, and witli a few more extracts illustrating the severity 
of the times, the privations and hardships imder which our 
indomitable forefathers struggled during the period that tried 
men's souls, I will dismiss this recoi'd of patriotism. 



PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS. 283 

From the minutes of June 2d, 1779 : 

" 111 consequence of a resolve of the General Connnittee 
for importing a quantity of salt for the sui)ply of the inhabi- 
tants of Albany county ; it is therefore, 

''Resolved, That all persons Avho stand in need of that 
article, give in their names, with the quantity they Avant, and 
the money therefor, at the rate of ,£30 ($75) per bushel, 
unto Messrs. Andrew McFarlan, Nicholas Van Der Volgen, 
John Roseboom, and Jesse De Graff, or any of them, on or 
before the 12th instant. 

" If the salt should amount to more than £30 a Ijushel, 
the deticiency is to l)e made up ; the overplus to be returned 
at the delivery of the salt. 

" A complaint being made before this board, that David 
Frank hath sold serge at a much higher rate than he sold it 
the beginning of May, 

"■Resolved, That David Frank be sent for, and he being 
present, acknowledged that he sold three ells and one-fourth 
of said serge, and one dozen of buttons to John Fort, for 
which he received $30, and the same time acknowledged that 
he offered the same about seven weeks ago for seven dollars ; 
thereupon, 

" Resolved, That said David Frank doth return to said 
Fort the sum of $6.25, and that he ask the pardon of this 
board for the offense. Said Frank, being sent for, returned 
the money, and pleaded that he was ignorant that dry goods 
were comprehended in the resolve of the regulating of prices, 
and asked the pardon of this board, and promised not to 
offend again. 

" Information being given to this board that John Empie 
has sold yeast /or hard money, he being sent for acknowledged 
that his wife had received some for yeast ; but did not refuse 
to receive paper currency as was alleged against him, and 
declared that he did not know it was forbid ; thei-eupon, 

''Resolved, That the said Empie pay all the hard money 
back again to those persons from whom his wife has received it, 
and those persons who have, since the publication of the 
regulating act, paid hard money to said Empie or his wife for 



284 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

yeast, are desired to pay said Eiiipie, on receipt of the hard 
money, an equal sum in [)aper currency. 

" It is hoped no such evil practice for the future will be 
carried on, as tlie bu3'er and seller will be equally considered 
as trangressors of said act. 

" Jeiemiah De Grati' appeared before this board and com- 
plained that he was charged and paid for weaving $3 an ell 
for striped, coarse linen, and twelve shillings an ell for very 
coarse linen, to John Bt. Van Eps, Jr. 

^'Resolved, That said Van Eps be cited to appear before 
this board on Monday next and answer for his conduct." 

J^yom the minutes of July 12tli, 1779 : 

" John Bt. Van Eps, Jr., appeared l)ef()re this board, and 
after full hearing and the examination of witnesses, 

" Resolved, That said John Bt. Van Eps, Jr., do return the 
sum of X23 12 shillings, which, in the opinion of this board, 
was extorted from said De Gratf by said Van Eps, Jr., which 
Ave hope will })revent all extortioners from pursuing, the 
same evil practice by which said Van Eps is become an 
object of public resentment, and that the al)ove be published 
by advertisements. This proceeding w^e hope will prevent 
extortioners from pursuing such evil practices as have been 
too long made use of, and must, unless immediately pre- 
vented, end in the destruction of the country." 

From the minutes of July 2()th, 1779 : 

" Esai Vernor appeared before this board and gave infor- 
mation that Elias Rosa had olfered hard specie for work ; 
said liosa being sent for acknowledged the fault, but pleaded 
that he had done it in consequence of the great ditlerence in 
the prices. 

''Resolved, That said Elias Rosa, at present, be dismissed, 
and be ordered to ap})ear before this board when sent for. 

"Information being given to this board that William 
Gliilbrd had bought, from Margaret Bradt, a scythe for hard 
money, which case was adjourned to to-morrow morning at 
10 o'clock. 

" Mr. John Van Sice informed this l)oard that, last Satur- 
day afternoon, he and Abraham Jels Truax were at the stoo[) of 



PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS. 285 

Doctor Van Ingen, when Mr. John Rent happened to come 
past, he having a bnndle under his arm. Truax asked him, 
what have you in your bundle? He answered, tea. Truax 
asked him what he paid for it ? He said, $20 a pound. 
Truax observed that it was above the regnhitcd price. Rent 
answered, he did not care for the reguktion. John Van 
Sice then said, you .-ieem to take no regard to the reguUitions 
of the commitee. Rent said he did not regard the commitee 
nor their hiws, and if he had ever so much goods he would buy 
and sell as he pleased ; and before he would sell at the reuii- 
hited price, he would throw it into the river. 

"After taking the testimony ot At)raham Jels Truax to the 
same efi'ect, 

^'Remlved, That said John Rent appear before the General 
Connuittee. at Albany, on Thiu'sda}' next, at 10 o'clock in 
the forenoon, to answer for his conduct ; and, also, that a 
sub-committee from this Ijoard attend upon the General 
Committee at Albany, and take copies of the affidavits of 
John Van Sice and Abraham Jels Truax to deliver in the 
board." 

From the minutes of Jdij oXst, 177!:) : 

" Peter Higadorn complained to this board that Mrs. 
Mo3'ston had sold him a pound of tea for $25, and after- 
wards came to the house of Reuben Simonds, and, l)y force, 
took the tea back again from said Hagadron, and returned 
him the mone}'. 

''Resolved, Thereupon, that Mrs. Moyston be sent for, 
and she being present acknowledged the above charge ; there- 
upon, 

''Resolved, That s;iid Mrs. Moyston do deliver to the said 
Hagadorn the pound of tea, he paying $14 for the same ; 
also, pay to the chairman of this committee the sum of $11 
as a tine for extorting the said sum of $11. 

" Maria Hagadorn appeared before this board and com- 
plained that Mrs. Roljbison had sold her a pound of "West 
India brown sugar'' for the sum of 32 shillings ; thereupon, 

"Resolved, That said Mr. John Robbison be sent for, he 
beino- present said he did not know anythiug about it ; but 



286 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY, 

would ask his wife. He returned and said jNIrs. Robbisou 
acknowledged that she had sold a pound of sugar for $4, 
but did not know sugar was regulated ; thereupon, 

^^ Resolved, That said Robbison jiay to the said Maria, 
10 shillings back which was extorted from her, and also pay 
the sum of $5 to the chairman of this board as a line. 

" Simon Jacse Vrooman appeared before this board and 
complained that Mr. Caleb Beck had sold two sticks of 
mohair for $6, which he looked upon as extortion ; there- 
upon, 

''Resolved, That Mr. Beck be sent for, he appearing 
acknowledged the same ; thereupon, 

"■Resolved, That said Beck do return $3 to said Simon, 
which, in the opinion of this committee, was extorted. 

" On motion, 

''Resolved, That every member belonghig to this board, 
who does not attend fifteen minutes after the hour appointed 
for the committee to meet, or on receiving notice, shall 
(unless they can give a reasonable excuse to the satisfaction 
of the board) pay the price of one bowl of toddy for every 
such neglect." 

Thus, much has been taken from the mass of minutes as 
indicating the comparative value of paper and specie money; 
the scarcity of all luxuries, and even of what are now actual 
comforts of life, and deeply interesting as illustrating the 
patriotic spirit of the day. 

Great efforts were made by the real friends of oiu' Revo- 
lutionar}^ struggles to maintain " the conlinental paj^er car- 
re/icy " at the standard value of gold and silver; but gold 
and silver, as far as was known, had not a physical existence 
in the country in any quantity equal to the demands of war ; 
and. therefore, as a means to sustain the value of their paper, 
government prohil)ited the circulation of coin altogether. 

With what success, Ramsay's "History of the American 
Revolution^' (Vol. 11, pages 112 to 122) informs us : "The 
depreciation began at different })eriods in different States ; 
but became general about the beginning of the year 1777, 
and progressively increased for three or four years. 



ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 287 

" Towards the end of 1777 the depreciation was iJiree iov 
one; in 1778 it was six for one; in 1779, twenty-eight for 
one ; in 1780, sixty for one in the first fonr or five months. 
Its circuhition was afterwards partial ; but where it passed 
it soon depreciated to 150 for one. 

" In some few points it continued in circuhition for the 
first four or five months of 1781 ; but in this hitter period 
many woidd not take it at any rate, and they who did 
received it at a depreciation of several hundreds for one." 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Organization of the County. 

The County of Schenectady was organized March 7th, 1809, 
and w^as erected from the western portion of Albany county, 
and embraced no portion of the manor of Rensselaerwyck. It 
was to enjoy the same privileges as all other counties in this 
State, and was to be entitled to two members of Assembly. 
(For details, see Session Laws of 1809.) Hon. Gerrit S. 
Veeder was its first senior Judge. This was a direct lineal 
descendant of the old original proprietor, " Simon Volkertse 
Veeder." Hon. William J. Teller was its first Surrogate, 
and he was a direct lineal descendant of the old proprietor, 
"William Teller "—honors fitly paid to worthy members of 
those olden lines. 

You are all so well acquainted with its extent, outlmes, 
and several towns, that it appears unnecessary for me to offer 
you further information on the subject ; yet so much has 
been written about our city and its old Third and Fourth 
^s^ixX^-^Rotterdam and GlenviUe-iXvAi it seems not mappro- 
priate to offer something historically of the sister towns, .Nis- 
kayuna, Princetown and Duanesljurgh. 

Niskayiiim. on the organization of our county, was taken 
from that part of AVatervliet, Albany county, winch was not 



288 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

embraced in the manor of Rensselaerwyck (no part of the 
manor lies in Schenectady county). The first settlements 
of this town were made ))y an independent and energetic 
class of Hollanders — like the pioneers of Schenectady — who 
located outside the manor line to avoid the conflicting exac- 
tions of the Patroons and the trading government of the New 
Netherlands. It w^as settled at an early date — about the 
same time that Schenectady was. 

Among the early settlers were the Clntes, Veddcrs, Van 
Vrankens, Groots, Tymersens, Pearses, Van Brookhovens, and 
Krygiers (now written Oregiei-). The mention of this last name 
enables me to revive the memory of an old Holland soldier, 
who is buried on our soil, and was one of Governor Stuyve- 
sant's most trusted friends, embassadors and officers ; who 
had fought for him many l)attles, and was his strong, right 
arm in the front rank in every hour of danger. This was 
Captain Martin Krygier, wdiose descendants still reside in 
Niskayuna, and some of them, probably, on his old home- 
stead farm. On the 2d day of February, 1653, this al)le man 
w^as the first burgomaster of New Amsterdam. (O'Cal. His. 
N. Netherlands, Vol. II, page 311.) 

After reviewing and connnentiug most impartially on the 
character and administration of Governor Stuyvesant, and 
furnishing his estimate of Van Der Donck, Melyn, Jere- 
mias Van Rensselaer, Scott, Baxter, and D'Hinoyossa, the 
men of 1664, when Stuyvesant retired, O'Callaghan (in the 
same cited Vol. II, at page 554) pays this just and beautiful 
tribute to his worth and memory : 

" Captain Martin Kr3'gier, the first burgomaster of New 
Amsterdam, having distinguished himself as a fearless 
warrior, and performed, for nuuiy years, the duties of an 
exemplar}' magistrate, retired with his General into pri- 
vate life. He finally settled at Niskajania, on the banks of 
the Mohawk, ' where the Indians carried their canoes across 
the stones.' In this retired and romantic spot, this brave 
soldier and good man laid himself down to rest in the early 
part of 1712.-' 

Niskayuna is honored in holding such a deposit of the old 



ORGANIZATION OF TPIE COUNTY. 289 

colonial times, and his descendants, who are numerous in this 
State, should revere his memory. From a knowledge of his 
historic record, bravery, and noble integrity of character, I 
feel bound to render this tribute to his memory. 

Prmcetoivn wa^i formed, March 20th, 1798, from a portion 
of the patent of Schenectad}', which had been ceded to the 
Reformed Dutch Church of that city, and from lands orig- 
inally patented to George Ingoldsby and Aanm Bradt, in 
1737, and subsequently sold to William Corry, avIio formed 
a settlement there, '■^luhich was long hiown as Oorrysbush,''^ 
who sold his interest to John Duncan. The town itself was 
named after John Prince, of Schenectad\', avIio was then in 
the Assembly as a member from Allxuiy county, and resided 
at Schenectady. 

Duaneshargh was erected as a township l)y patent, March 
loth, 1765, but was first recognized as a town March 22d, 
1788. It was named after the Hon. James Daane. Large 
tracts, in what is now this town, w^ere purchased by different 
parties, to wit : by Timothy Bagley, in 1737 ; A. P. and 
William Crosby, in 1738 ; Walter Butler, in 1739, and Jona- 
than Brewster, in 1770. The tract embraced about 60,000 
acres, and of this whole tract Judge Duane became the pro- 
prietor, either by inheritance from his father or purchase, 
except 1,000 acres known as Braine's patent ; but no active 
measures of settlement were taken until about tlie time of its 
organization in 1765. During that year. Judge Duane made 
a permanent settlement. The lands were rented at the rate 
of fifteen dollars per annum on each one hundred acres on 
perpetual leases, payable in gold or silver. 

And in this connection and on this consecrated occasion, 
as a descendant from ancestors who encountered the severe 
struoo-les of our Revolutionary trials, can I fail to offer my 
tributl to the memory oi James Daane, the old proprietor of 
Duanesbur«-h, who lies interred in that town, under the Epis- 
copal Church, built at his own expense, within which a neat 
mural tablet is erected to his memory ? 

Judo-e Duane was an American patriot of very high order, 
and oirthis soil his memory should be solemnly cherished on 
19 



290 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

u day like this. Permit me to sketch a mere outline of liim- 
self and services. 

Born in the city of New York on the Gth day of Fel)i'uaiy, 
1733, having acquired the Utting education, he selected the 
law for his profession, and entered the office of James Alex- 
ander, one of the most eminent counsel of our Colonial 1)ar, 
and the father of the American General, Lord Stirling. He 
was admitted as an attorney in 1754, and was soon intrusted 
with a large professional business. 

On the 21st of October, 1759, he married Mary, the eldest 
daughter of Rol)ert Livingston, then proprietor of Living- 
ston's Manor. This marriage tended to give direction to his 
studies and practice, and caused him to be actively engaged 
in all the law-suits and decisions relative to the boundaries of our 
New York Colony with New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Con- 
necticut, and New Jersey. 

The standing Mr, Duane had acquired in the profession 
before the Revolution caused liini to be retained in many 
heavy suits. I will only, from the mass, select two as of 
home interest: Schermerhorn against The Trustees of Sche- 
nectady Patent, a long-continued struggle ; and as counsel 
for Trinity Church, in the oft-repeated claims of the heirs of 
Anneke Janse. 

But it was as a high-toned patriot in the early period of 
our Revolutionary struggle that Mr. Duane assumes his 
noblest character, and was among the unappalled actors. 
He was a member of the first Provincial Congress that met 
in Philadelphia on the 5th day of September, 1774, to enter 
on daring measures. He was associated with such spirits as 
Patrick Henry, John Adams, John Jay, Richard Henry Lee, 
Benjamin Franklin, and others of similar temperament, and 
sustained his manly share of res[)onsibility. 

He Avas again elected to Congress in 1775, and went soon 
after the battle of Lexington, reaching Philadelphia on the 
day the session opened, and co-operated with his fellow dele- 
gates in raising an army, appointing Washington connnander- 
in-chief, issuing bills, establishing a post-office, and; in fact, 
assuming the powers of government. 



ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 291 

Mr. Diuuie continued in Congress until the 31st of May, 
1776, when he w:is called home to attend the New York 
Congress, of which he had been chosen a meniljer from the 
city of New York, in the April preceding. The object was 
to form a State Government. " This ivas the great object,''^ 
and near to the heart of every patriotic man of New York. 
It was neither fear nor inclination that drew himself, Robert 
R. Livingston, and John Jay, from the General [Congress at 
this time, and prevented them from appearing as signers of 
the Declaration of Independence, to the preparatory steps of 
which they had etiectually contrilnited, and to the main- 
tenance of which they all devoted so many years of their lives. 

So devoted was Mr. Duane to the cause of Independence 
and Liberty that he did not again set his foot on the soil of his 
native city, or visit his extensive property there, until he entered 
it in triumph on the 25th day of November, 1783, on the evac- 
uation of New York l)y the British troops and auth(H-ities. 

It is impossible on an occasion like this to recount Mr. 
Duane's patriotic labors. lie was either a member of General 
Congress of the Union, or of the Provincial Congress of New 
York, during almost the wiiole of our Revolutionary period. 
On the 5th of February, 1784, he was elected Mayor of the 
city of New York, which office he held for several years ; 
and, in March, 1789, welcomed to that city the First^ Con- 
gress under the present Constitution, and General Washington 
as President of that Republic, which their joint-labors in 
diverse fields had helped to establish. 

Our General Government, under the now Constitution, went 
into operation in the spring of 1789 ; and in September of 
that year, without solicitation on his part, Mr. Duane was 
nominated by President Washington, and appointed by the 
United States Senate, " United States District Judge ot the 
District of New York," and entered upon the duties ot his 
office the following 14th of October. 

For about live years Judge Duane continued to execute 
the duties of this office, earnestly endeavoring to tu hll the 
wishes of his oreat friend, Washington, and with the st.l 
hioher object of satisfying his enlightened conscience. Jiut 



292 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

forty years of intlefatigal)le lal)or had so undermined his 
health as to induce him him to resign, and retire to his estate 
in Diianesl)urgh. Accordingly on the 10th of March, 1794, he 
addressed a letter to the President announcing his wishes, and 
lu'ging the appointment of a successor l)y the middle of April. 
The President answered in a kind letter, and on the 8th of April, 
so soon as the business of the court permitted, he resigned and 
retired finally from a long and honorable public life. 

In a few days after this he removed to Schenectady where 
he owned some property, and where he had frequently spent 
portions of the year with his family. The lai-ge buildings 
which he owned were destroyed by the great tire in 1819. 
(Their site was the grounds now occui)ied l)y the Rev. Dr. 
Backus, and a small portion by the east wing of the residence 
of ex-Supreme Court Judge Potter.) At this location he 
intended to remain until he could carry into etlect his 
intention of fixing his permanent home on his estate in 
Duanesl)urgh, where he had already erected a church, and, 
in 179(3, conuuenced building a country seat there, but did 
not live to complete it. For on the morning of the 1st day 
of February, 1797, at his city residence, just as he was 
rising from his bed, he was taken with an affection of the heart 
and expired immediatel3\ 

So highly was Judge Duane valued by all as patriot, 
statesman, counsellor, magistrate and citizen, that an unsual 
tribute of twenty-two pages, as a memorial of him, is inserted 
in the fourth volume of the Documentary History of New York, 
at page 1063, etc., from which some of my data are derived. 

I have said thus much about Judge Duane, on this Centen- 
nial day, because much as I revere the memory of our 
by-gone honored dead, and mindful that Robert Yates (the 
father of the distinguished John Van Ness Yates) was a son of 
our soil, a co-woiker with Judge Duane, and a member of the 
Convention that adopted the State Constitution of 1777 ; 
on(^ of the first judges of the Supreme Court of this State, 
and subsequently its Chief Justice ; a member of the Federal 
Convention of 1787, and of the State Convention to ratify 
the Federal Constitution, and mindful that — 



ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 293 

Joseph O. Yates, also a son of our soil, was a distinguished 
lawyer of Schenectady's early days — the first Mayor of the city, 
State Senator in 1807, Judge of the Supreme Court in 1808, 
and Governor of the State in 1823-4^and died in 1837 full of 
honors and greatly beloved, and deeply miudiul, too, that — 

Dr. ElipJialet N'ott, the President of Union College, tem- 
perance advocate, and orator (see his admirable biography 
by the learned and accomplished writer, Rev. C. Van Sant- 
voord, D. D.), has shed his light and influence ui)ou us for 
more than sixty years, leaving, too, a legacy of grandsons, 
among the most brilliant, prominent, and patriotic men of 
our land. Nor unmindful that — 

Jatlge Paige, holding high rank among the able men of his 
day, as Counselor, Advocate, Chancery Reporter, State Sena- 
tor, and Supreme Court Judge, has earned a full meed of 
honcn-. Nor unmindful that — ■ 

John Wells, probal)ly the most distinguished lawyer that 
this State has ever produced (see sketch of his lite and char- 
acter, 2 Cow. Reps., pp. 14, etc.), was the protege of Sche- 
nectady, as derived by myself from his own lips in 1822.^ 
For, on the Uth of November, 1773, at the massacre of 
Cherry Valley, all his family ivere murdered, and he, a boy of 
nine years old, was the only survivor, being then at school in 
Schenectady— cut off, at this early age, from the tenderest 
attachments of life, and left (like Logan) without one livmg 
mortal who was naturally and immedititely interested m his 
fate. Under such circumstances, this orphan boy coutuuied 
several years at the grammar school at Schenectady, fostered, 
supported and protected by prominent citizens, whose memo- 
ries were always fragrant in his recollections ; but upon the 
individuals of that philanthropy I am not inclmed to dwell 
He always seemed one of us ; and in after-life was cheered 
by the good wishes of his early patrons. _ 

Nor Tm I unmindful that Schenectady holds now, livmg, the 
distinguished ex-Judge Potter and present J udge Landou, and 
has hehl its fullshare of judicial dignities and state o&ces, honor- 
ably and Gracefully filled. Bat I cannot laud the livmg; repub- 
lican siniplicitu seldom accords other than posthumous honors. 



294 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Closing Remarks. 

But, fellow-citizens, upon an impartial research, I feel that, 
among all our prized civilians, the memory of no one is enti- 
titled to more reverential tribute, on this Centennial day, 
than that of the noble and unflinching patriot, James Duane, 
whose descendants still live so unostentatiously and beloved 
among us. 

And, while so much has been said of some of our departed, 
time-honored civilians, I should feel wanting in duty to ray- 
self and the proprieties of this occasion, were I not to intro- 
duce the name of Cornelius Van Dycli', the great grandson of 
John Alexander Glen, of Scotia, the grandson of Arent 
Bradt, the old trustee and son-in-law of Joseph Yates, the 
grandfather of ex-Governor Joseph C. Yates. 

In the Revolutionary War, Mr, Van Dyck was Lieut.- 
Colonel of the '-'First New York Oontinental Regiment,'''' com- 
manded by Colonel Gosen Van iSchaick, of Albany (General 
Philip Schuyler's favorite regiment) ; and John Graham (the 
father of the Misses Sarah and Del)orah Graham, deceased, so 
long and favorably known in this community) was its Major. 

These officers were all brave, rigid disciplinarians, and 
brought their regiment to such perfection of drill and sol- 
dierly bearing, that the First Veteran New York had no supe- 
rior in the American army. It is not my intention to follow 
this old regiment through the early incidents of the Revolu- 
tion ; to speak of their brilliant gallantry at Saratoga and on 
the plains of Monmouth ; but, as derived from actors in the 
events, such was the estimate of their steadiness and valor, 
that, on the surrender of Biu-goyue at Saratoga, Nicholas Van 
Rensselaer, one of its captains, a grandson .of old Patroon 
Hendrick, was deputed by General Gates to carry a captured 
flag and the news of the surrender to tlie anxious citizens of 
Albany. A regiment so brave, that at the storming of Stony 
Point, IGth July, 17^9, General Wayne placed this regi- 



CLOSING REMARKS. 295 

ment iu the front : and on the storniino- of the two re- 
doubts jit Yorktown, late in the ufternoon of the 14th of 
Oetober, 1781, where, to excite a spirit of emulation, the 
reduction of the one was committed to the French under the 
Baron de Viomesnil, and the other to the Americans under 
the Marquis Lafa^yette. Colonel Hamilton himself, of New 
York, led the advanced corj)s of the Americans, selecting- for 
a })art of his column a detachment of Van Schaick's veteran 
regiment (First New York, under Major Graham). These 
troops rushed to the charge without tiring a gun, and, pass- 
ing over the abattis and palisades, assaulted the works on all 
sides, and entered with such rapidity that tlie redoubt was 
immediately carried with inconsiderable loss. The redoubt 
attacked by the French Avas defended by a greater number 
of men, and therefore occupied more time in its reduction. 

Tlien, too, jSlajor John Thornton^ of Schenectady, was an 
officer in the Kcvolutionary struggle, who was full of daring 
— a true hero at Saratoga — and had experienced much of 
severe military service. This was the father of Mrs. Volney 
Fi'eeman, of our place, and of the late Colonel William A. 
Thornton, of the regular army. 

Of the gallant Major Jellis J. Fonda, honorable mention 
has been hereinbefore made under the genealogical head. 

Other honored names might ])e enumerated, but they 
belong more particularly to Oriskau}-, and the general his- 
tory of our great Mohawk Valley; and yet I cannot omit 
our old-time heroes, Gaptain William McGinnifi and Lieuten- 
ant Jonailum Stevens, who, with 89 men of Schenectady, 
were, on the 5th of September, 1755, at the battle of Fort 
George, and fought, under the command of Sir Wm. John- 
son, against the French under Baron Dieskau, when both of 
those officers and many of their men were killed on the same 
ground, and near the same spot, where the chivalric Mohawk, 
king Hendrick, and the noble, brave and scholarly Cok)nel 
Ephniim Williams, were slain during the same des[)erate tight. 

According to SirWm. Johnson's official report, "/Ae Sche- 
nectady officers and men fought like lions.'' 

I am compelled to omit all reference to the honoi-abU. part 



296 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

tiikeii by Schenectady in the late war :igainst the Southern 
rebellion, where such knightly Ameriean valor was displayed 
by both contestants. To do justice to the sul)ject would 
extend this historical eflbrt beyond the proper limits. An 
old man myself, verging onward to tour-score years, I have 
sought, without any attempt to display extraordinary schol- 
arship, or the exhibition of a refined style, to lay before you, 
in my desultory way, some notion of the olden time. I have 
aimed at accuracy, and spent much time with investigations, 
and have had the stimulus of a life-long love for these remi- 
niscences, many of which are matters of tradition, and must 
perish, when a few more of us are gathered to our fathers, 
unless sooner recorded. It is trom no lack of patriotism that 
I leave to younger pens the record of the yet young man's 
struggle for our Union. I trust that while the memory of 
the galUuit deeds and sacrifices of our sons are yet fresh, a 
just record from some flowing pen will be made worthy of 
them and the mighty struggle. 

And now, on this great Centennial day, inihonor of the old 
citizens of Sclienectady, whose blood flows through the veins 
of many of us ; in honor of their independence, viitue, gal- 
lantry, and brave endurance in every hour of trial, and in 
honor of the legacy of Liberty they have bequeathed us, in 
closing, I say : 

Let those who occupy their places remember, 
" That heroes have trod this ground," and " 'tis on 
Their sacred dust they tread." 



Note. — In preparing- this address, I desire to acknowledge the great 
assistance I have i-eceived from the genealogical researches of my learned 
tViend, Professor Jonathan Pierson, of Union College, and for other data 
furnished by him. 

Also, to admit much assistance for the contiibutions furnished from the 
resources, early i-ecollections, and valuable suggestions of my octogena- 
rian friend and associate. General \Vm. K. Fuller ; and not a little aid from 
the scholarly advice of Hon. Judge Landon, from whose facile pen my 
preface flowed. The outlines of this writing was delivered as an address, 
at the Centennial Celebration of Schenectady ; and, as noticed in the preface, 
has been enlarged to its present proportions, at the request of its citizens ; 
and in the trust that it will meet their approbation, is now i-espectfuUy 
submitted. 



APPENDIX 



A. 

Van Curler's Letter to the Patroon. 

[Fyom the Eevsselaenoyck 3ISS.] 

Laus Deo ! At the Mmihattaiis, this 16th June, 1643. 
Most honorable, wise, powerful, and right discreet Lord, my 
Lord Patroon : 

With submissive salutation shall this serve to greet your 
Honor and your Ilonoi-'s beloved Lady, who is dear to you, 
Avith wished-for good fortune, prosperity, and steady happi- 
ness. On the 4th of this instant I received your Honor's 
favor, and seen and read its contents, whereunto this shall 
serve for answer. 

Firstly, touching the serious discontent which your Honor 
feels towards me, because the accounts and books have not 
been sent to you, I have not mu(;h to op[)ose. But therein 
I have not been wholl}^ culpable. For the accounts and 
books which might be brought to nie, I can quickly make 
clear and ready. But there are boors from whom I can get 
no returns ; and Van der Donck has not once spoken to 
them thereof, according to his instructions, nor done any- 
thing about them so long as he has been in this Colonic. I 
have had, once before this, returns from some boors. Neither 
head nor tail could l)e made out of them. For they state every- 
thing they expended, but nothing of what they had received ; 
and, moreover, enter in the account, to this one, so much— 
to that one, so much ; without once specifying for what that 
same was given. Everything they have laid out on account 
of the Lord Patroon, they will know how to specify for what 
that was expended. But what has been laid oui for their 



298 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

own private use, that they know nothing about, and yet can 
manage to remember what appertains to the account of the 
Noble Patroon, and to book that. To this I say, that I will 
never allow this : but that they shall deliver to me a clean, 
clear, just account, to send the same over to the Noble 
Patroon, tor his Honor's a,pprol)ation ; and so soon as an 
answer shall be received, shall these then be passed, if his 
Honor so order. AVhereupon the farmers reply : We shall 
then furnish you an account, as you told us that without it 
being sent to Patria it is good for nothing. In line, this 
also has been neglected. But, please God, as soon as the 
next (ship) comes, the accounts shall be .sent to 3'ou. So far as 
I am myself concerned, I hope that his Honor will not be 
so dis})leased as he has been. For I consider myself bound 
to make good to the Patroon whatever shall tall short in the 
accounts, or shall be stolen. But so truly help me, God 
Almighty, I am not conscious, willingly or knowingly, as 
long as I have been in your Honor's service, to have 
defrauded yom- Lordship, or to have sought, in any manner, 
mine own prolit, or seek to enrich myself, as others trul}- do, 
who, in justice to the Noble Patroon, should olwerve who 
wrong him. I shall tell your Honor no tales, but I shall 
send over b}- the next ship sufScient proofs thereof. 

As to what 3'our Honor would know, what the constrnc- 
tion of the boors' houses will cost, it is impossible for me to 
acquaint you. I have never had any account thereof, as I 
have told your Honor before. What regards the cost of my 
own l)uilding, I hope that shall not be wanting. I have 
kept every note of it. Further, I shall furnish, at the same 
time, tui account of what my house-keeping comes to. The 
Lord shall find therein a few items of what I have presented, 
or given away, as I have sometimes given some presents to the 
principal chiefs of the Indians, in order that they should 
maintain good correspondence with each other. 

As your Honor does not know how your account stands 
with tiie company, this will serve to inform you that I have 
never settled with M. Kieft, nor ever attempted it, Ijecause 
he charged the freight and customs (convoyen) so high that 



APPENDIX A. 29 9 

I h:ive invuriably referrea thut to the Lord Putroon. Kicft 
hath fi-equently demanded of me to liquidate the account, but 
I have always deferi-ed it, l)ecanse I tear imprudently to burn 
myself with this account : for all the charges, freio-hts, and 
board, which he brought in his account, are directly contrary 
to the granted freedoms. And your Honor supposes that I 
here deduct all the freights, customs (convoyen), and duties, 
wholly from the wheat. The Lord hath always been pleased 
to excuse me from so doing, for I have never entertained 
such a thought as to li(|uidate the account with Kieft. Now, 
that I understand your Honor's intention, I shall never 
deliver another handful of Avheat to the company, unless 
th(y either pay me on delivery (ofte ten sy datse my contant 
betallen), or unless I receive other orders from your Honor. 
However, I have delivered veiy little grain ; except last year, 
only twelve lasts, and then not a single grain was once on my 
order. But heretofore the boors have always delivered the 
grain to the compau}' on their own authority. There is no 
knowing, sometimes, where all the grain that is raised in the 
Colonie renuiins, or is consumed. But I shall send the Lord, 
by the iirst oi)i)ortunity, an extract of an account which I 
have, through friendship, received out of the A. Croll's book, 
whereby the Lord shall see and tind what has been consumed 
1)3' the l)0(U-s, and all paid in wheat, whereof youi- Honor 
has been wholly wronged -(gefrusteert) and deprived. But so 
soon as the accounts of the bouweries are made up, and your 
Honor hath this extract, your Honor then can see who 
intends best by the Lord Patroon. 

What the Lord, my master, commands me to i-eceive in 
sood regard the counsel of Dominie Megapolensis ; and 
therein to follow his Reverence's advice, I have neser failed 
so to do, but have always communicated to him whatever 
occurred here, to have his opinion thereupon ere I concluded 
to undertake anvthing, and have always thankfully received 
his reverence's counsel. Further, I shall use my utmost dili- 
gence to collect the rest, and to post all the debts and credits 
(schulden en weder schuldeu). Beavers and Seawan. I shall 
then, without fail, send vou all by the next opportunity. As 



300 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

to Avhiit appertains to the duffels, I have, in all I received, 
not perceived any damage w(n-th mentioning, Ijut got them 
in good condition. 

I have sent the residents all the tall nnnil)er of hcjrscs and 
cows, according to their contract. I have full twenty draft 
horses, at present, on the Flatt (op de Vlachte), besides the 
milch cows, but they are all young cattle. 

Further, touching the letter sent to your Honor by the 
Mahicanders, your Honor will please not to be surprised ; 
for I came, by great luck, four or five days after the return 
of the sloop from above, and overtook it there by reason of 
contrary winds ; and received a day or two after Ihe return 
of this, the resolution of Pieter Cornelissen (Viele) and Broer 
Cornelissen (Van Slyck). So that I got on board the sloop, 
and there hastily wrote a short letter to your Honor, because 
I thought it was necessary to advise you. 

Your Honor further writes that you understand that I had 
placed (Jan) Labbatie on the Great Flatt, and promised him 
twenty guilders per month, and your Honor asks what farm- 
work can he do. Those who wrote that to your Honor lie 
like rogues. For I never thought of it ; but my intention 
was that Ltd)batie should pass the winter on the Flatt to 
trade, as good ti'ade is drove there from above durino- the 
Avinter, but never has there been any talk of monthly wages. 
For so long as Labbatie has been out of his bounden-time, he 
has never asked or demanded any increase of wages, but 
always said that he should leave that to the discretion of the 
Lord Patroon. But I shrewdly suspect that this report was 
sent to his Honor by (Adrian) Van der Donck, whom this 
undertaken work hath sorely troubled, because he can m;dve 
nothing by it ; and still daily doth he, in my absence, go 
about finding fault that men expect to make great profit for 
the masters, but that it will miss. But I have nothing to 
say. The work is but begun. Yet 1 hope, please God, 'to 
have next harvest as much corn in the ground as the best 
bouwerie in the Colonic. I have, at present, about ten to 
twelve morgans of oats planted, and had there not been so 
many hidden stumps in the land, I should have had much 



APPENDIX A. 301 

more sown. But there is not iiiiicli f:illow. From this year 
there will be still more rye. But generally the first year is 
the slimmest. I trust firmly that all the Ijouwerics have not 
had so much to clear as this Flatt alone. It was all hidden 
stumps and roots, which were uot perceived until the plough 
struck right on them. Your Honor further writes that you 
do not want any bouweries for yourself, 

I shall, therefore, keep together an exact account of all 
the expenses which have beeu incurred thereon. I shall, then, 
request of your Honor, as I have already done, to be })ie- 
ferred before all others for the same Flatt, and I shall then, 
according to opportunity, contract with your Honor there- 
for, and willingly meet all expenses, I am assured that there 
is no bouwerie in the Colonic which shall have been less 
ex[)ensive than this ; which shall sooner repay the outlay, 
and that by grain alone, w^ithout counting the increase ot 
cattle, I hope, with God's blessing on the grain, that this 
bouwerie, in two years, will be free of all expense, I have, 
last spring, Iniilt on this Flatt a farnidiouse thirty feet, 
covered with tiles, for the residence of the carpenters and 
laborers, 

I had, moreover, contracted with Jan Cornelisscn, car- 
penter, for a large farm-house ; and he had promised to begin 
it in mid-A[)ril, which he has not yet done. From May to 
this date, I believe that he has not worked fourteen days, 
but has been drunk all the time, I have demanded frequently 
of him, if he would not go on with the work, and he has 
always asked for delay ; but he will not l)egin, because I 
have made afavoral)le l)argain with him. He must build for 
700 guilders, a house 120 feet long by twenty-eight feet wide ; 
forty'^feet is deducted for a dwelling ; there remains eighty 
feet for the farm-house. The dwelling part to be floored 
above and below ; a cellar twenty feet long by twenty-eight 
feet wide ; a half-jutting chamber (een hang-kanier) for the 
servants' sleeping room ; a small room (ecu kooi) in the farm- 
house for the fann laborers ; an inclosed stable tbr the studs, 
and further to make a horse and cow stable, and what else 
appertains thereto, and that subject to the inspection of per- 



302 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

SOUS conversant with such sort of work, and wlio understand 
carpentr}^ The other carpenters will not build it for 1,000 
guilders, so that he is not very anxious for the job. I made the 
contract with him when he was sol)er, in the presence of 
Dom. Johannes (Megapolensis), and Mr. Abraham (Staat.s), 
and Anthony de Hooges, and committed it to writing on the 
instant. So that I shall be obliged to have that house erected 
by others under protest ; for the time cannot admit of 
further dela}^ It must be covered in against the winter, for 
the cattle must, above all things, have their stabling. I placed 
all the reed for the house, last harvest, on a pile of lumber on 
the spot where the dwelling is to stand. 

As regards the tobacco of Albert Andriessen (Brat), and 
his brother (Arent), I know not otherwise than that your 
Honor will get the crop, as it was planted in the time of his 
contract. Your Honor further oi-ders that I should pay this 
money to Albert here in merchantable goods. All that 
will go well. But still remains the question or ditiereuce 
between us, which is this : Whereas Albert hath, before this, 
opposed the placards, and moreover, heretofore, hath ^^colded 
the Lord Patroon and the whole council, .so that he was con- 
demned in a heiivy tine, I shall therefore deduct this tine 
from the amount to be paid for the delivered tobacco. The 
line for which he is indebted, according to law, for opposition 
to the placard and scandalous scolding, amounts to oI2 11. 
We should long ago have levied this sum by execution, but 
I have all along waited patiently for the delivered tob:icco. 

As for the answer which your Honor sent to the preten- 
sions of Andreas Iludde, I shall give an extract thereof to the 
Heer Kieft. and s})eak to himself about it. 

As for the Church, it is not jx't contracted for, nor even 
begun. J had written last year to your Honor, that I had 
a building almost read}^, namely, the covenanted work, which 
would have been for Dom. Megapolensis ; and this house was 
not agreeable to the taste of Dom. Johannes ; in other respects, 
it was altogether suitable for him, so that I have laid it aside. 
That Avhich I intend to build this summer in the pine'grove 
(in het Gre\nen Bosch) will be thirty-four feet long by nineteen 



APPENDIX A. 303 

feet wide. It will bo large enough, for the first three or four 
years, to preaeh in, and eau afterwards always serve for the 
residence of the sexton, or for a school. I hope your Honor 
will not take this ill, as it ha[)pened through good intention. 

Regarding the diamond (het crystal) near Michel Janssen's 
house, of which your Honor writes that I should send over 
some more specimens thereof, I have spoken about it to 
Michel Jaiisen, and to several others, to engage them to l)ury 
it. But the\' will not do so, apparently because they fear for 
the labor, and it will terminate l)adly. 

The Lord Patroon is very much surprised that so little 
care has been taken of the vines which his Honor sent. I 
planted tiiem in the garden, ])ut they were killed by the 
frost, like the others brought to the country. I believe, in 
my opinion, that they did not sulfer in the least from the 
high water. 

As regards the formulary which your Honor sent, it shall, 
for the future, be followed as w^ell for horses as for cows. I 
should have been pleased that your Honor , had sent it 
before, in order to atlbid your Honor greatei- content. 
Your Honor is, moreover, surprised that Albert Andriesz 
(Bratt) hath such privilege ; that a better inventory is not 
taken of his stock of cattle. Tlie messenger says that he 
will not allow any preemption, and what is more, will not 
give you any part of the cattle, although he purchased the 
cows while }our Honor's contract with the mill company 
was still in existence. 

I shall send by William Turck as many peltries as I can 
brin<r in. Your Honor is surprised that all my letters men- 
tionhaste ; this, in short, shall serve as an explanation. The 
ships are sometimes fourteen days, and even more, at the 
Manhattans, before we receive any tidings or intelligence 
thereof, and then, receiving letters, the sloops remain only 
live, six, or seven days, so the letters must then be got ready 
in a hurry. The Lord says that this ought to be done 
beforehand, which might easily be, if we had not to answer 
the Lord's letters. For we could well advise the Lord m 
one of the atfairs of the Colonic. For the future, whatever 



304 HISTORY OF SCHEXECTADY COUNTY. 

Avill be pleasing to the Patroou shall be done, for in all things 
I am sul)ject to obey his order inasnuich as it lies in my 
power. 

In regard to yonr Honor's instrnctions to inqnire what 
price wheat commands in Virginia, I cannot very well under- 
take that. But so far as I hear and understand, it goes off 
well there, but it should be sent there ground into meal. If 
your Honor should be of opinion to send the ship thither, she 
should be well-provided with strong distilled waters, which 
are much in demand there, together with duffels and wide 
linen. Tobacco can be had at two to three stivers advance 
on the price in Holland. All the corn which will be deliv^- 
ered to me I shall retain provisionally by me till further 
advice, should your Honor be pleased to send a ship. Hence- 
forward I will not give a grain more to the company. 

As to the boors selling the wheat for eight to nine florins 
the mud (four bushels), that is true ; but I cannot say who 
they are. I believe that four to five lasts have Ijeen thus sold 
since last spring, and Van der Donck hath not once been 
willing to look to it, nor to prevent such a fraud. Your 
Honor further writes me that I shall sj)eaktoVan der Donck 
and Peter Cornelissen to second me. They will not endeavor 
to advance the business of their own office, nor do they much 
try. How can they, then, aid me ? And they are the dogs 
which bite me. and still daily seek to render me suspected, 
Avhich Van der Donck endeavored enough to do, and hath 
already done, as I can infer from the Lord's writings. But 
what he has perpetrated and still commits, will be made 
manifest in its own time. I shall not thereupon talk any 
further now. Dom. Megjipolensis was well aware of his acts. 

Your Honor further states that Van der Donck complains 
of the impertinence of Labbatie. These shall serve there- 
upon. Van der Donck is very covetous and monopolizing. 
During my absence at the Manhattans, this Van der Donck 
came, difl'erent times, and arrogantly spoke to Labbatie that 
he should give him duffels , sometimes seawan, and more 
such goods. Thereupon Labbatie answered that he had no 
orders to give out any goods ; wherefore had he not asked 



APPENDIX A. 305 

tlicm of mc before, when I was at home ? or that he must 
wait until I sliould return, and such like things, mucli more 
than I can detail. So, then hatred became so deeply rooted 
that they pursued each other with swords, in like manner as 
he had done to De Hooges, scolding him as an informer, and 
moreover struck him ; and thus he acts also towards me, 
Idaming mc as well to your Honor as to the colonists, in 
order to render me suspected. And he imagines, by reason 
of his amljition, that men will permit him to do what he 
pleases ; and that, through ignorance, much must be over- 
looked for the sake of the consequences. 

As to what the Lord writes, that what concerns the de- 
livery of the cattle proceeded out of the head of Broer Cor- 
nelissen (Van Slyck). That he will not deliver up the same, 
nor pay for them immediately, is true.' He hath frequently 
spoken thereof in my presence ; and, moreover, hath also 
endeavored to stir up others thereto. 

What regards the resolution to send Willem Juriaensen 
Bakker out of the Colonic, I have had a very long time 
ample reason therefor. But no one would second me. Then 
he hath publicl}' abused the lord and master as a dishonor- 
a1)le man, whereupon he was condenuied in a civil fine. This 
was well. Furthermore, the residents who had driven their 
trade there with the Indians, to the great loss of the noble 
Lord, continued this same Willem Juriaensen, and almost 
destro^-ed and ruined the whole trade. 

As to what the Lord writes, that I should not so strictly 
regulate myself according to the price of the peltries, and 
that I must exert myself, as well with authority as with cen- 
sure, to keep strange traders out, this will serve : 

The trade heretofore has always been at six fathoms of 
seawan. Last year, the residents as well as the colonists 
gave seven to seven and a half f ithoms. I also gave the 
same. So soon as they saw that I and the company's com- 
missary save so much, they innnediately gave nine, and since 
this spring ten fathoms. So at last the trade ran so high that 
we of the^Colonie, and the connnissary at the Fort, resolved 
with another to publish a placard, as well for the colonists as 
20 



306 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

the residents and company's servants, that they should not 
presume, on pain of heavy line and confiscation of their goods, 
to trade with the Indians for furs at more than nine fathoms of 
white wampum, or four and a half fathoms of black ; and that 
none, on pain of confiscation aforesaid, should go into the bush 
to trade ; and the order was that the oiticer should prevent it. 
And he hath not even once attended to this, nor even now 
Avill he do so. When he was told that he should look to the 
frauds and abuses, in order to i)revent the same as much as 
possible, he gave for answer : That he would not consent to 
be the worst man ; to others, that he would not make him- 
self suspected l)y the colonists, as his 3'ears as officer were 
few. And it happened, last year, that we concluded together 
on a placard, that no residents should presume to come 
Avith their boats within the limits of the Colonic on confis- 
cation of the same. Thereupon, there were great complaints 
on the part of the colonists, and they gave in remonstrances 
as to where they should receive goods and necessaries. 
Whereupon, the council promised the colonists that if there 
were an}- to be had at the Manhattans or elsewhere, that I 
should procure them, on condition for this promise that they 
would in return pay inmiediately for the wares which they 
might get from me, and that I should have nothing to do 
with the transfer of accounts, but to pay me, acting thus as 
merchant (so doende koopman) right ott". They were all sat- 
isfied, and promised to adhere to it, and to assist me. 

We further resolved, on the next court day, to issue another 
placard for the further strengthening of the first — namely, that 
no inhabitants of the Colonic should presume to l)uy any 
goodslVom the residents. So it happened that a few days 
after a sloop arrived with some goods. Immediately a party 
of colonists came to me, and said : " This and that tire come ; 
nobody must make an}^ purchase there ; you gave us the 
promise." To this I replied: "What I promised I shall 
perform and accomplish." I inquired if they had any 
beavers wherewith to buy these goods and wares ? They 
answered : " No ! you must purchase them, and debit' us with 
them in the account ; " which I was wholly unwilling to do. 



APrEXDIX A. 307 

So that each one went and bought what he Avished, as well 
duffels as otherwise. Dom. Megapolensis and I then sent for 
Van der Donck, and told him to go quietly with his servant, 
Hans Vos, and se;irch the several houses. Now he came to 
visit Rever Stoftelzen's house. There he gossiped without 
once making a search, and then went to AVillem Juriaenseu's 
in the same manner, and so forth. He further went to 
Dirck Janscu's mill, where he was told there were three pieces 
of duffels, and he removed one of them. He further went to 
the house of Cornelis van Merckerck. There he chatted with- 
out once making a search. In like manner he proceeded to 
Broer Cornelisscn's (Van Sljck), where he did not search 
once, but only asked : " How are ye all here ? " looked in, 
and returned back, while he well knew that there were 
duffels there. Leaving there, he went home. In the same 
way he Avent to Claes Janssen van AVyckerck's house, who, he 
also well knew, had duffels. He said : " Claes, I shall come 
here to-morrow to make a search. Have you any duffels ? 
Put them aAvay in your cellar, which I shall not search.'' 
Claes himself told me this out of his own mouth, and 
promised to give me an affidavit of it, Avhich I shall send 
your Honor by the next ship. 

Moreover, I had contracted last harvest for the building 
of a house for Dom. Megapolensis, which should be ready 
precisely at Christmas. They let the time pass neglected 
and go"^ by till Noveml)er. Then I said that I should not 
alloAA^it to l)e built ; there was hail, snow, rain, and Avind 
every day, and expecting that the house Avould cause great 
expense in meat and dri^ik, and the work not be advanced, 
I broke the contract, because they did not perform their 

promise. 

Maryn Adriaensen was, at this time, among us, who offered 
to sell \iie a house of oak wood, all ready— cross-casings all 
of oak. So the Dominie having consulted with us both, and 
concluded that Marvn's house would be a much better bar- 
o-aiu than the other, so that I purchased the house from hmi 
tbr 350 o-uilders. Van der Donck coming to hear this, got 
into companv, in the meantime, with the carpenters and 



308 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

several others, and there told them that we had issued pla- 
cards forl^idding the colonists to trade with the residents, and 
whoever this interested should mutiny ; that whoever had 
first concocted this had not only concocted the placards, and 
that I likewise sought to steal the bread out of the mouths 
of the colonists. Whereupon, some of them were surprised 
that the officer should so persuade the people. Some, with 
others, forthwith conspired to protest against me, and to 
draw a circle under the protest within which to place their 
names, so that it should not he known who had first signed 
it. This protest having been drawn up, some were for driv- 
ing me out of the Colonic as a rogue ; others wished to take 
my life. But nothing- resulted from these threats. Herein 
Van der Donck said he would honestly, and to our satisfac- 
tion, assist me and the council. But when need pressed him 
(maer als den noot aende man giugh), he then withdrew from 
me and the council to second them, whereof I shall send your 
Honor affidavits of two pei-sons wlio told me so with their 
own lips. So that your Honor can form, at once, an opinion 
of the matter in itself, and what sort of officer you have here, 
who causes so much injury to a whole Colonic. He intends 
next 3^ear to return home. He has been to Katskill with 
some colonists to examine that place, and your Honor may 
be assured he intends to look for partners to plant a colonie 
there. Borger Jorissen, who has heretofore been in the 
Lord's coh)nie, will live there also. He hath let his bouw- 
erie to Brant Peelen for 200 guilders a year, on which Brant 
Peelen intends to settle his brother-in-law. This shall not be 
with my consent. 

Concerning the bark, about the building which the 
Patroon had written, so that I might employ it in the Colonie 
to advantage, Avhich was my intention and meaning, but I 
was dissuaded therefrom. It should be well adapted in 
breadth to convey cattle, and that about to be built would 
have been too crank. I have purchased another for 1,100 
auilders, which is a very tidy bark, provided with new sails, 
with anchor and cable ; can carry at sea, seven lasts ; inland, 
eio-ht lasts. It has been this spring to the north, and there 



APPENDIX A. 309 

traded a gooJ deal of seawaii (wampum). 'Tis now at the 
south river to trade. I have spoken to Cornehs Leendertzen 
and Manritz Janssen van Broeckhuysen, who returned from 
that quartei- over two days ago, and they told me that it woukl 
be a good specukition, for neither the company nor the 
Swedes had tiny cargoes there, and there were still seven 
to eight hundred heavers there, which lay there expecting sea- 
wan and other goods, with all which was well provided our 
bark, which Cornelis Leendertsen spoke in tlie mouth of 
the river. So that I hope good proHt will result there. So 
soon as she returns I will, if I can accomplish it, send her 
Avith wheat to Virginia, to see if that can be traded there for 
t()l);icco. Inquiry shall be then made what merchandise is 
admitted there, and shall then advise your Honor thereof. 

As the Heer Master orders that the day of accounts shall 
not be changed, his Honor's letter shall be attended to. The 
Heer Patroon is very much suprised that no 'mention has 
been made in the inventor)' of -sheep and swine. This will 
inform him that the farmers have frequently been spoken to. 
They say that the; swine stray into the woods. We do not 
know ourselves how many pigs we have. We were obliged 
to give a numljer to other freemen, which were forwarded 
on payment ; ))ut your Honor nnist know that many mishaps 
have occurred to these. As to the sheep, to count which 
jMauritz Janssen was appointed ; they were correctly counted ; 
but the year after they died oH* like mice. A part of them 
were destroyed by the wolves. There are at present in the 
Colonic, young and old, alwut tifteen to sixteen sheep. 

Further, may it please the Lord to understand, that three 
islands lie between Broer Cornelissen (Van Slyck) and the 
Flatt (de Vlachte), one of which, right opposite the Flatt, is 
about twenty to twenty-live morgans in extent, which have 
not been yet purchased from the owners. I shall allow that 
island opposite the Flatt, and a portion of fallow to be 
ploughed, in order to be sowed next harvest with wheat ; for 
on tiie Flatt I have only sixteen to seventeen morgans which 
I can have under the plough this year. Because there is so 
much to regulate, and I do not wish to have the time of the 



310 " HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

servants wasted, I have begun on the aforesaid island. By 
regukirity, everything can be done at a i)roper season ; as 
men have more leisure at present than at any other time, so, 
please God, there will be fully thirty niogans sown next fall 
with winter grain. I shall, therefore, be obliged to purchase 
the said islands from the Indians, though they will ill-I)ear to 
part with them. For we are bound now and hereafter (schier 
of morgan) to give the Indians no provocation to rebel. 

I have been on horse-back with Labljatie tmd Jacob Jans- 
sen (Schermerhorn) van Amsterdam, last year, to the 
Mohawk country, where three Frenchmen were prisoners ; 
one of whom was a Jesuit, a very learned scholar, who was 
very cruelly treated, his finger and thumb being cut off. I 
carried presents there, and requested that we should preserve 
good neighborship, and that no injury should be done, either 
to the colonists or to their cattle, which all the Indians at the 
three castles have thankfully accepted. We were entertained 
right well in every friendly manner there. We were 
obliged to halt a quarter of an hour before each castle, until 
the Indians there saluted us with divers musket-shots. There 
was also great joy among them because I had come there. 
Indians were immediately ordered to go out to sh(K)t, who 
brought us in excellent turkeys. I then thorougldy visited 
all their castles, and invited all the chiefs of all the three 
castles to assemble together, and proposed to them to release 
the French prisoners. But there was no appearance of this, 
which they refused with good reason. Said they : " We 
shall manifest toward you ever}- friendship that is in our 
power, but on this subject we will be silent. Besides, you 
well know how they treat our people who fall into their 
hands. Had we delayed to reacjh there three or four da3'S 
longer, they would have been burnt." I presented them, 
for the ransom of the Frenchmen, about 600 guilders in 
goods, to which all the Colonic will contribute. But they 
would not accept them. But we persuaded them so far 
that they promised not to kill them, and to convey them 
back to their countr}-. The French captives ran screaming- 
after us, and besought us that we would do all in our power 



APPENDIX A. 311 

to release them out of the hands of the l)aii)arians. But there 
Avas IK) likelihood at all of this. Ou my return, the}^ gave 
me an escort of ten to twelve armed men, who conducted us 
back home. Within half-a-day's journey from the Colonic, 
lies the most l)eautiful land on the Mohawk river that eye 
ever saw ; full a day's journey long, and mostly contiguous 
the one to the other. But it is impossible to reach there in 
a boat on account of the strength of the stream which runs 
there ; and, on the other hand, of the shallowness of the water; 
but I think that it could be reached with wagons. Two of these 
Frenchmen, of whom the Jesuit was one, have been to my house 
last Ma\'. They said they hoped that means could be fou iid now 
to procure their release. So soon as the Indians return from 
hunting, I shall endeavor to obtain their freedom. I shall send 
your Honor, by the first opportunity, the journal of my journey. 

I have purchased at the mill-kill, from Jan Michaelsen, a 
house and a large oblong building, which he bought from 
Sander Leendert^en (Glen), for 600 gl., according to his 
receipt. But I shall [)ay for it mostly through his account. 
As a [)assal)le l)arn stands thereon, a good bouwerie can be 
made there. In the same way, as there is a good barn by 
the iiouse of Cornelis Teunissen on the Fifth kill, where also 
a good bouwerie can be established. 

Cornelis Teunissen goes also over. He hath given in his 
account, both debit and credit. There is to his credit an 
item of twenty pieces of timber (balken) which come on 
account of the yacht. They were sold again at the Man- 
hattans for 100 guilders. There is also a parcel of 100 
pieces of tiiul)er, which I delivered to the company for two 
sloop's freight. Each sloop's voyage lasted six weeks, which 
should have greatly swelled the freight. 

Of the thirty m. stone (hard bricks) which your Honor 
sent out last year per the Houttuyn, I have not received 
above ten thousand, as I'm told by my skipper, Louweus, and 
others. The skipper of the Houttuyn retained them for 
ballast. Your Honor will be pleased not to send any more 
stones (bricks), for we can purchase them cheaper at the 
north than those cost which }our Honor sent, and they are as 



312 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

large again. The four thousand tiles which jour Honor sent 
are not worth the freight ; for they crumble all away like sand. 
I have not had from these more than ten or twelve hundred 
good tiles. The rest are good for nothing. The broker who 
|)urchased the tiles for your Honor hath grossly cheated you. 

I am at present bethrothed to the widow of the late M. 
Jonas Brouck. May the good God vouchsafe to bless me in 
my undertaking, and please to grant that it mght conduce to 
his Honor to our mutual salvation. Amen. 

I expect to send the Heer (Lord), by the next opportunity, 
the accounts ; and I intend, if his Honor please to consent, to 
go over (to Holland) next year, as soon as I shall have re- 
ceived his Honor's answer, to request of his Honor a favorable 
lease of abouwerie, there to fix my residence in the Colonic for 
a good munber of years, if the Lord spare my life. If your 
Honor should please to permit me to return home, as I hope, 
I request, with all submission, that the noble Lord will please 
to grant my future w^ife leave to reside, until my I'cturn, in his 
Honor's house, by Anthonie de Hoogcs. I trust that the noble 
Lord will not receive damage thereb}- , for she is a good house- 
keeper, as I hope the noble Lord shall learn from others. I 
should not altogether wnsh to take her over and hither with me ; 
for Ave are snbject to divers clangers from the sea. Otherwise, 
I hope to make my joinney to Patria as short as possible. 

Neither I nor the company have scarcely had any trade 
this year. I believe the residents have conveyed fully 3 to 
4,000 furs from above. So great a trade has never been 
driven as this year, and it would be very profitable, if your 
Honor could luring about, with a higher hand, that the resi- 
dents should not come to the Colonic to trade. Otherwise, 
your Honor will never derive any profit. 

Herewith ending, I beg to advise the noble Lord, if I have 
nsed any ))oldness, to be pleased to take it in the best part. 
Happiness to your Honor, and your Honor's beloved wife 
and children, and that God may preserve you in His grace, is 
mine, and my future partner's greeting. 

Your Honor's dutiful and obliged servant, 

ARENDT VAN CURLER. 



APPENDIX B. 313 



B. 

Thomas Doiigan, Lieutenant aiul Governor and Vice- 
Adniinil, under his Royull Highness, James, Duke of 
Yorke, etc., of New Yorke and its dependencies in America, 
etc., To All to whom these p'sents sh:dl come, sendeth Q-reet- 
iug : Whereas, Tohorywachqua and Orage, the representa- 
tives of tlie four Mohake castles, have for themselves and 
canachijuo Occpuny and Tohoriowachque true and Lawfull 
Owners of the Land within mentioned, have by their certainc 
Avriting or Deed of Sale, dated the third day of Ju]y, anno 
dm., 1672, given and granted unto Sander Lend'rs Glenn, 
John Van E[)ps and Sweere Teunesse, as being impowered by 
the inhabitants of the Town or Village of Schonectady and 
l)laces adjacent, a certaine Tract or parcell of Land, Beginning 
at the Maques river by the Towne of Schenectady and from 
thence runns Westerly on Ijoth sides up the river to a certain 
place called by the Indians Canaquariveny, being reputed three 
Dutch miles or twelve English miles, and fnmi the said Town 
of Schenectade downe the river one Dutch or four English 
niiles to a kill or creeke called the Ael place, and from the said 
Maques river into the woods South towards Albany to the 
sand kill one Dutch mile, and as much on the other side of 
the river north, being one dutch mile more, there being 
excepted in the said bounds all covers and Saw-Mills, that 
now arc or hei-eafter shall be erected within the bounds of 
the said Towne, that they be lyable to pay a perticuler (^uitt- 
Rent for their priviledges besides what is herein set forth as 
shall hereafter be agreed for by the Inhabitants of the said 
places or owners of such mills with such Governouie or Gov- 
ernours as shall be appointed by his Royall Highnesse ; and 
likewise that noe Timber or wood be cutt but withui the 
bounds aforesaid, the said exception being agreed upon by 
myselfe as by a certaine writing bearing date the 7th day ot 
Auo-ust last past, doth moi-e perticulerly appear. Now, Know 



314 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Yee, that by virtue of the comicon and aiitliority to me 
given by his lioyall Highness, James, Duke of Yorke and 
Albany, Lord proprietor of this province, I have hereby 
given, granted, ratifyed and confirmed, and by these p'sents 
doe give, grant, ratifye and contirme unto William Teller, 
Ryert Schermerhorne, Sweere Teunnessen, Jan Van Epps and 
Myndert Wemp, on the behalfe of the inhaljitants of the 
Towne of Schenectady and places adjacent aforesaid, depen- 
dencyes thereon, their associates, heirs, successors and assignes, 
and all and singuler, the before-recited Tract and Tracts, 
})arcell and parcells of Land, meadow, ground and premisses 
with their and every of their appurtenaucyes. Together with 
all and Singuler, the Houses, Buildings, messuages. Tenements 
and Heriditaments, dams, rivers, runns, streams. Ponds, woods, 
quarr\es. Fishing, Hawking and Fowling, with all privikKlges, 
Libertyesand improvements whatsoever to the said Land and 
l)'misses belonging or in any wise appertaining or accepted, 
reputed, taken or Knowne as part, parcell, or member 
thereof with their and every of their appurtenances. Provided 
alwayes that this shall not any wayes malvc null or vokl a 
former grant or Pattent bearing date the 30th day ot October 
last past made to Jaques Cornel isse of a Piece of Land, 
lyeing within tlie bounds heretofore mentioned of the Towne of 
Schonectade (that is to say), the 13'eing and being Between 
two creekes, the one called the Stone creeke, to the Eastward, 
and the other the Platte creeke, to the westward thereof, the 
Lowland Iveing along the river side on the south of the 
jVIatjues River, and then to the north of the Land belonging to 
tlie Inhabitants of Schonectade, the same containeing forty 
morgan, or Eighty Acres of Land, as alsoe forty morgan or 
eighty acres of wood-land or up-land more, on the west side 
of the Platte Creeke, adjoining to the arrable land along the 
River side, which was wholly exempt by the Indian proprie- 
tors in the sale of this land as belonging to Jaques Cornelise. 
To have and to hold the afore recited Tract and Tracts, parcell 
and parcells of land and premisses, with their and every of 
their appurtenances, unto the said William Teller, Ryert 
Schermerhorn, Sweere Teunicssen, Jan Van E[)ps, and Myn- 



APPENDIX B. 315 

dart Wemp, on the behalt'e of the luhubitants of the Towue of 
Schenectade, und their Associates, their heirs, successors and 
assio-nes, unto the proper use and behoofe of the said William 
Teller, Kyert Schernierhorne, Sweere Teunissen, Jan Van 
Epps, and Myndart Wemp, theire heirs, successors and 
assio-neis forever. To be holden of his Royall Highnesse, his 
heirs and assigncs, in Free and common Soccage according to 
the tenure of East Greenwich, in the county of Kent, in his 
Maties Kingdome of England, Yielding and paying therefor 
Yearly and every Yeare, as a Quit-Rent tor his Royall High- 
nesse use, unto such officer or officers as shall be appointed to 
receive the same, at Alljany, forty Bushells of good winter 
wheat, on or before the Twenty-fifth day of March. Given 
under my hand and sealed with the scale of the Province, att 
Fort James, in New Yorke, the first day of November, Anno 
Dm 1684, and in the thirty-sixth Yeare of his Maties Reigne. 

THO. DONGAN. 

Geor<'-e, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and 
Irelandr Kinii-, defender of the faith, etc., To All to whom 
these presents^hall come, Greeting: Whereas, Thomas Don- 
o-an some time Lieutenant-Governoure, under his then Royal 
Hio'huess, James, Duke of York, etc., of New York, its 
dependencies in America, etc., and by Letters Patent, Sealed 
with the said province, bearing date at Fort James, m New 
York the first clay of November, Anno Dm. sixteen huiulrcd 
and Eighty-four, by virtue of the commission and =iuthority 
to him given by his said Royal Highness, James, Duke ot 
York and Albany, then Lord proprietor of the said Pr()vince, 
did give, grant, Ratifye and confirm unto William Teller 
Ryeit Schermerhorn, Sweere Theunissen, Jan Van Epp.s, and 
Myndert Wemp, on the behalf of the Inhabitants ot the Town 
of Schenectady, and places adjaceiit, ^^l--^^';'- f;^;:;!;!;; 
their associates, heirs, successoirs and assigns, all that ccitaui 
tract or parcel of land. Beginning at the Maquaas river hy 
;;: town of Schenectady, and which iVom t^^ience runs 
westerly on both sides up the rivere to a ceitau . c 
called ly the Indians Canaquariony, being reputed thiee 



316 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

Dutch miles or twelve English miles, :ind from the said 
town of Schenectady down the river one Dutch or four Eng- 
lish miles, to a kill or creek called the Ael place, and from 
the said Maquaas rivere into the woods south towards 
Albany to the said kill one Dutch mile, and as much on the 
other side of tlie river north, being cne Dutch mile more, 
with the meadow ground and premisses, with their and every 
of their appurtenances. Together with all and Singular the 
Houses, Buildings, messuages, Tenements and Hereditaments, 
dams, rivers, runs, streams. Ponds, woods, Quarrys, Fishing, 
Hawking and Fowling, with all priviledges, Libertys and 
improvements whatsoever to the said Lands and premisses, 
belonging or in any wise appertaining or accepted, re[)uted, 
Taken or Known as part, parcel or member thereof, with their 
and every of their appurtenances, these being excepted in the 
said bounds, all corn and saw-mils that then were or there- 
after should be erected within the bounds of the said Town. 
That they be lyable to pay a particulare Quitt-llent for their 
priviledges, besides what is therein set forth as should there- 
after be agreed for by the inhabitants of the same places or 
owners of such mills, with such governoure or governours as 
should be appointed by his Royal Highness, and likewise that 
no Timber or wood be cut but within the bounds aforesaid. 
The said exception being agreed upon by himself as by a 
certain writing bearing date the seventh day of August then 
last past, doth now particularly appear. Provided, always, 
that this should not any ways make null or void a former 
grant or patent bearing date the thirtieth day of October 
then last })ast, made to Ja,ques Cornelisen, of a piece (jf land 
lying within the bounds theretofore mentioned of the town 
of Schenectady. That is to sa}^ the lands lying and being 
Between two creek;?, the one called the stone creek, to the 
eastward, and the other the place creek, to the westward 
thereof. The lowland lying along the riverside on the south 
of the Maquaas river, and then to the north of the Land 
Belonging to the inhabitants of Schenectady, the same con- 
taining Forty morgan or eighty acres, as also forty morgan or 
eighty acres of upland, more on the west side of the Plate 



APPENDIX B, 317 

creek, adjoining to the arable land along the riverside, which 
was wholy excepted by the Indian proprietors in the sale of 
the said Land, as belonging to Jaqnes Cornelisen. To have 
and to hold the said tract and tracts, parcells of land and 
premises, with their and every of their appurtenances, unto 
the said William Teller, R^-ert Schermerhorn, Sweere Theu- 
nisen, Jan Van Epps, and Myndert Wemp, on the behalf of 
the inhabitants of the town of Schenectady, and their asso- 
ciates, theire heirs, successors and assigns, unto the proper use 
and behoof of the said William Teller, Ryert Schermerhorne, 
Sweere Theunisen, Jan Van Epps and M3nidert Wenip, their 
heirs, succcssoirs and assigns forever. To he holden in free 
and common Soccage, as of the mainior of East Greenwich, 
in the county of Kent, within the kingdom of Great Britain, 
Yielding and paying the annual rent of forty Bnshells of good 
winter wheat, as by the said Patent relation being thereunto 
had, may more at large appear. And, whereas, by certain 
Indentures of lease and Release, The Lease bearing date 
the two and twentieth, and the release the three and 
twentieth daj'S of Octol)er last made or mentioned, to be 
made Between the said R3-er Schermerhoorn, of the one 
part, and William Apple, of the city of New York, Victualler, 
of the other part. The said William Teller, Sweere Theunissen, 
Jan Van Epps and Myndert Wemp were since decreased, and 
the said Ryert Schermerhoorn is the only Survivor, whereby 
all the estate, right and Title of, in or to all the said Lands, 
Meadows, Tenements, Hereditaments and premisses. Together 
with all the Houses, Eddices and Buildings thereon erected, 
with all appur's thereunto belonging not otherwise by them, the 
said William Teller, Ryert Schermerhoorn, Sweere Theuni- 
sen, Jan Van Epps, and Myndert Wemp, or the Survivors or 
survivor of them, Then legally disposed 'of, or by some deed 
or deeds, conveyance or conveyances by them executed, or 
intended to be disposed of, are become soly vested in the 
said Ryert Schermerhoorn, in fee simple, by right of surviour- 
ship. And whereas, the said Ryer Scliernierhoorn, growing 
antient, is desirous that the said meadows, Lands and premisses 
should be conveyed to others, Togeather w*^' himself and then- 



318 HISTORY OF SCIIEXECTADY COUNTY. 

heirs and assigiies, that the intent of the said Letters Patent 
might be duly observed, he, the said Ryer Schernierhoorn, did, 
by certain Indentures of Lease and Release, The Lease bear- 
ing date the two and twentieth, and the release the three and 
twentieth days of October last, made, or mentioned to be 
made, Between the said Ryer Schermerhoorn, of the one part, 
and William Apple, of the city of New York, victualer, of 
the other part, grant, convey and assure unto the said Wil- 
liam Apple, his heirs and assigns, all tlie said lands, meadows, 
Tenements, Hereditains and premisses, with the appurtenances 
hereunto belonging or therewith, all then or lately usnaly 
enjoyed or accepted, reputed. Taken or known as part or 
parcel thereof, in as full and ample manner as the said Ryer 
Schermerhoorn did then or lately enjoy the same, or was then 
or then lately inititated to enjoy the same, and all the estate, 
right, Title, interest, use, trust, property, reversion, remain- 
der, claim and demand whatsoever of him the said Ryer 
Schermerhoorn, of, in and to the said premisses and every or 
any part or parcel thereof, except as therein before is ex- 
cepted and foreprised, or intended to be excepted or foreprised. 
To hold the said Lands, meadows, Tenements, Hereditaments 
and premisses therein mentioned, or intended to be thereby 
granted, alienated, released, enfeoffed and confirmed, and 
every of their appurtenances, unto the said William A[)ple, 
his heirs and assigns, forever, to the sole and only proper use 
and behoof of the said William Apple, his heirs and assigns, 
forever, upon fhis special condition and confidence that the 
said William Apple, his heirs or assigns, uj)on request to him 
or them made by the said Ryert Schermerhoorn, his heirs or 
assigns, should make, do, acknowledge and execute such con- 
veyance and assurance in the Law for the vesting of all the 
therein before mentioned and thereby intended to be granted 
Lands, meadows. Tenements, Hereditaments and premisses, 
and all the right. Title and interest thereunto hereby con- 
veyed or mentioned, or intended to ])e conveyed to the said 
William Ai)ple, unto flic said Ryert Schermerhorn and Jan 
Wemp, Johannes Teller, Arent Bradt and Barent Wemp, 
their heirs and assiii'iis, forever, to the intent the same 



APPENDIX B. 319 

might l)e hold and enjoyed accordhig to the true intent 
meaning of the said Letters Patent by the said Thomas 
Dongan, so as aforesaid granted as by the said Indentures of 
Lease and release relation being thereunto had may more 
fully and at lai-ge appears. And, whereas, by certain other 
Indentures of Lease and Release, the Lease bearing date the 
TAventy-fifth, and the release the Twenty-sixth days of October 
last, made, or mentioned to be made. Between the said Williani 
A})ple of the one part ; and the said Ryert Schernierhoorn, Jan 
AVenip, Joiiannes Teller, Arent Bratt and Barent Wenip of the 
other part ; he, the said William Apple, in pursuance and 
performance of the aforesaid trust, so as aforesaid in him 
reposed, and for the considerations therein mentioned, at the 
request of the said Ryert Schernierhoorn, did give, grant a 
liene release, enfeoff and confirm unto the said Ryert Scher- 
nierhoorn, Jan Wemp, Johannes Teller, Arent Bratt and 
Barent Wemp their heirs and assigns, all and singular the 
said Lands, meadows, Tenements, and Hereditaments and 
premisses, with all the a[)[)nrtenances therennto belonging 
and appertaining in as full and ample manner as the same 
were in manner aforesaid conveyed and assured unto him the 
said AVilliam Apple, by the said Ryert Schernierhoorn, all 
which said premises were then in the actual possession of 
them, the said Ryert Schernierhoorn, Jan Wemp, Johannes 
Teller, Arent Bratt and B:i,rent Wemp, by virtue of the same 
last-mentioned Indenture of Lease, and by virtue of the 
Statute for transferring of uses into possession, and all the 
estate, right, Title, use, trust, property, reversion, remainder, 
claim and demand whatsoever of him, the said William 
Apple in and to the aforesaid Lands, meadows, Tenements, 
Hereditaments and premisses, with the appurtances and every 
or any part and parcel of them, or any of them in as full and 
ample manner as the s;une were by the herein before first 
recited Indentures of Lease and Release conveyed and assured 
to the said William Apple by the said Ryert Schermerhoorn. 
To hold the same Lands, meadows, Tenements. Hereditaments 
and premises Avith the appurtenances therein before mentioned, 
meant or pretended to be thereby granted, alienated, released, 



320 HISTORY OF SCHEXECTADY COUNTY. 

enfeofter or confirmed premises, and every of their appnr- 
tenances nnto the said Ryert Schermerhoorn, Jan Wemp, 
Johannes Teller, A rent Bratt and Barent Wemp, their heirs 
and assigns forever to the only proper use, and behoof them 
the said Evert Schermerhoorn, Jan Wemp, Johannes Teller, 
Arent Bratt and Barent Wemp, their heirs and assigns for- 
ever as by the said last mentioned recited indentures of Lease 
and release, relation being thereunto had may more fully 
and at large appear ; and, whereas, the said Ryert Scher- 
merhoorn, Jan Wemp, Johannes Teller, Arent Bratt and 
Barent Wemp, by their humble petition presented to our 
Trusty and well beloved, Robert Hunter, Esq., Captain- 
General and Governour-in-Chief of our province of New York, 
etc. Have prayed to have the same granted and confirmed to 
them the said Ryert Schermerhoorn, Jan Wemp, Johannes 
Teller, Arent Bratt and Barent Wemp, their heirs and assigns 
forever by the boiuidaries hereafter mentioned, Avhich request 
Ave being willing to grant. Know Yee, that of our especial 
Grace certain knowledge and meer motion, we have granted, 
Ratif3ed and confirmed and do by these presents, for us, our 
heirs and successors, grant, ratifye and confirm unto the said 
Ryert Schermerhoorn, Jan Wemp, Johannes Teller, Arent 
Bratt and Barent Wemp, theii' heirs and assigns forever, all 
that the aforesaid tract or parcel of land and premisses within 
the Limitts and bounds aforementioned and described, other- 
wise, Beginning upon the maquaas river at the place called 
Aelplace on the north side of the said river, and is in breadth 
four english miles on each side of the said river, and from 
thence keeping the said breadth of four Miles on each side 
of the said river it extends sixteen English Miles up the said 
river to the furthest end of a Hill called by the Indians 
Canaquariveny, including the said river so far as it extends 
and all the islands within the said boundaries. Together with 
all and singular dwelling Houses, Grist Mills, Saw Mills, 
Barns, stables. Gardens, orchards, buildings, edifices, fields, 
feedings, Pastures, meadows, marshes, swamps. Trees, Timber, 
woods, underwoods, Ponds, Pools, waters, water-courses and 
streams of water, fishing, fowling. Hunting and Hawking, 



APPENDIX B. 321 

Mines, Minerals, standing, growing, lying and being or to be 
had, used and enjoyed within the^Limitts and bounds afore- 
said, and all other profitts, benelitts, libertys, priviledges. 
Hereditaments and appurts, to the same belonging or in any 
wise appertaining, and all that our Estate, right, Title, interest, 
benefitt, claim and demands whatsoever of, in, or to the same, 
and the revertion and revertions, remainder and remainders, 
and the yearly rents and profitts of the same, Excepting and 
reserving unto us, our heirs and successours forever, all silver 
and Gold mines. To Have and To Hold all and singula 
the said Tract of land and premisses with their and every of 
their rights, members, Priviledges, preheminences and appur- 
tenances above mentioned or intended to be, hereby granted, 
ratifyed and confirmed unto the said Ryert Sehermerhoorn, 
Jan Wemp, Johannes Teller, Arent Bratt, and Barent Wemp, 
their heirs and assigns forever. In trust, nevertheless, to and 
for the only use, Ijenefittand behoof of themselves and the 
other Inhabitants and Freeholders of the said Town of Sche- 
nectady, their heirs and assigns forever. To be Holden of 
us, our heirs and assigns forever ; To be Holden of us, our 
heii-s and successours in fee and common soccage as of our 
maunor of East Greenwich, in the county of Kent, within our 
realm of Great Britain, Yielding, Rendering and paying 
therefore yearly and every year forever unto us, our heirs 
and successours, or to our and their collector and receivor 
General for the time being, or to such officere or officers as 
shall be from time to time by him appointed to receive the 
same at our City of Albany, on the feast day of the anmmcia- 
tion of the Blessed Virgin iSIary, commonly called lady 
day, the annual rent of forty-two Bushells of Good winter 
wheat in Lieu and stead of all other rents, services, dues 
duties and demands whatsoever, for the said tract of land and 
premisses herein and hereljy granted and confirmed — that is to 
say, forty Bushells of wheat, part of the said hereby reserved 
Quitt of forty-two Bushells of wheat, being the former reserved 
Quitt-reut in and by the said first recited grant or letters 
Patents, and two bushells of wheat, the remainder of the said 
hereby reserved Quitt rent of forty-two bushells, being what is 
21 



322 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

agreed upon by and between our said present Governenr of 
New York and the Inhabitants of the said places, to be a par- 
ticuhir Quitt Eent for tlieir priviledges of all corn and Saw 
jNIills that now are or hereafter shall be erected within the 
bounds and Limitts aforesaid, according to the intent and 
meaning of the stiid first recited Letters Patents, and we do 
hereby will and grant, that these oar letters of contirniation 
be made Patent, and that they and the Record of them in our 
secretaries Office of our said Province remaining, shall bei 
good and effectual in the Law to all intents, construction and 
purposes, notwithstanding the not true and well-reciting and 
mentioning of the premisses or any part thereof or of the 
Limitts and bounds thereof, or of any former or other Letters 
Patents or grant for the same made or granted by us or any 
of our Royal ancestours to any other person or persons what- 
soever, Body Politick, or corporate or any Law or other 
restraint, uncertainty or imperfection whatsover to the con- 
trary thereof, in any ways notwithstanding, and wee do like- 
wise, by these presents of our special Grace, certain knowl- 
edge and meer motion. Give, grant, ratify and confirm unto 
the aforesaid Ryert Schermerhoorn, Jan AVamp, Johannes 
Teller, Arent Bratt and Parent Wemp, and to their heirs 
and assigns forever to and on behalf of themselves and the 
rest of the Freeholders, Inhabitants of the Town and bounds 
of Schenectady, tliat the Freeholders Inhabiting within the 
Limitts and bounds aforesaid, shall and may from time to 
time, and at all times forever hereafter, upon any writt or 
writts, by us or our successours forever hereafter directed or 
to be directed, for election of Representatives to serve in 
General Assembly for our Province of New York to assemble 
and meet to-geather at such place as may be thought most 
convenient thereto, choose one of their own number to be 
their Representative or Deputy, Avhicli person so to be 
chosen hereafter shall have all the freedom and priviledge 
of any other Assembly man or representative, and be 
received, accepted and treated as the Representativie of the 
Freeholders inhabiting the said Town of Schenectady 
and the Limitts and bounds thereof, in as full and ample 



APPENDIX B. 323 

manner as any other Representatives within our said Prov- 
ince have. 

In Testimony whereof, we have cansed the great seal of our 
said Province of N"ew York to be hereunto affixed, and the same 
to be entered of Record in the Book of Patents reniainino- in 

o 

our Secretaries office of our said Province. Witness our said 
Trusty and welbeloved Robert Hunter, Esq., Captain Gen- 
eral and Governour in chief of our Provinces of New York, 
New Jersey and the Territories depending on them in 
America and Vice-Admiral of the same, etc., at our Fort at 
New York, the sixth day of November, in the first year of 
our Reign, anno Dm. 1714. 



State of New York, ? 
Secretcmjs Office. ) 

I certify the preceding to be true copies of certain Letters 
Patents as of Record in this office, the first in Lib. Pat. — , 
page — , the second in Lib. Pat. No. 8, page 83, etc. 

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the 
Seal of the Secretary's Office, at the city of 
Albany, the 4th day of September, 1811. The 
[l.s.J words, " Tenements,'' between the 10 and 11 Lines, 
pa. 5 ; " River,'' between the 18th and 19th lines, 
pa. 11 ; "Day," between the 1 and 2 line, pa. 13, 
being first interlined. 

ELISHA JENKINS. 



324 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 



0. 

City and County ? 
of Albany. ^ ' *• • 

The People of the State of New York, by the grace of 
God tVee and Independent, To all to Avhoni these presents shall 
come Greeting, Know Ye that we, having inspected the records 
in onr said Office, do find a certain will and the proceedings of 
Court relative to the proof thei-eof there remaining, in the 
words, letters and figures following, to loit : 

At a Court of Common pleas, held for the City and 
County of Albany, at the City Hall of the said city, 
on Tuesday, the 20th day of January, 1795. 
Present — John Tayler, Judge. 

Uleert Willett, } . . , , T .. 

Maus R. Van Vranken, ^ ^^^''^"^'^^'^^^ ^''''^^^^^- 

Mr. Van Vechten produces in Court the last will and testa- 
ment of Arent Bradt, deceased, and prays that the same may be 
proved, agreeable to the Statute in such case made and provided. 

Abraham Onthoudt, Sworn. — Says that Hermanns Bradt, of 
Schenectady, is the heir at Law of Arent Bradt, late of the 
late of the same place, deceased, and that this deponent hath 
been requested by the said Harmanus Bradt, to procure the 
will of the said Arent to be proved in this Court, in order to 
its being recorded. 

Cornelius Vrooman, Sworn. — Says that he saw Arent Bradt 
sign, seal, publish and declare the said will now produced 
in Court, as and for his last will and Testament, and that he, 
this deponent, signed the same as a witness, in the presence of 
the testator, and that Elias Post and Hendrick Brower also 
subscribed the same as witnesses, in the presence of this depo- 
nent, and of each other, and in the presence of the testator, 
and that the said testator was of full age and of Sound mind, 
memory and understanding. Thereupon, Ordered, that the said 
will be Recorded by the Clerk of this Court, according to the 
directions of the Statute, in such case made and provided. 
A Copy. R. LUSH, Clerk. 



APPENDIX C. 325 



In the Name of God, Amen. I, Arent Brat, only surviving 
patentee in trust for the township of Schenectady, in the 
County of All)any and province of New York, being sick and 
weak in body, but of sound mind, memory and understand- 
ino-, thanks be given unto God for the same. Do make and 
publish this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form 
following, to wit : First, I commit my soul to the Almighty 
God, my Creator, hoping for pardon and remission of all my 
sins in and through the merits and intercession of Jesus 
Christ, my blessed Savior and redeemer, and my body to the 
earth, thereto to be decently buried at the discretion of my 
Executors hereinafter named. Item : I give, devise and 
bequeath unto my trusty friends and son, Harmanes Brat, 
and Jacobus Van Slyck, John Sanderse, Isaac Swits, Isaac 
Vrooman, Nichohis Van Petten, Jacob Swits, Jacob Vrooman, 
Frederick Van Vetten, Nicholas Groot, Tobyas Ten Eyck, 
Reyer Wimple, Sanmel Art Brat, Nicholas Van Dervolge, 
Abraham Wimple, Abraham Mabee, Jacobus Mynderse, John 
B Van Eps, Gerrit A. Lansing, Peter Mabie, Harme Van 
Slyck Isaac I. Swits and Abraham Fonda, and to then- hen-s 
and assigns, forever, All that certain tract of land, messuage or 
tenement called and knowing by the name of the township ot 
Schenectady, situate, lying and being in the county ot Albany 
and province of New York, on both sides of the Mohake river 
beginning at the said river by the town of Schenectady, and 
runs from thence westerly on both sides up the sa.d river to 
a certain place called by the Indians Canaquarione, beu.g 
.eputed three dutch miles or twelve English --^^--{^^ 
the said town of Schenectady down the --7- .^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
or four English miles to a place. Kill or Creek -Ued the Ael 
?3lace and from the said Mohake river into the woods .outh 
t2^ Albany to the sand kill «- dutch mi e or ^ur 
en-lish miles, and as much on the other side ot the iivu 
North be n^ one dutch mile, more or Otherwise, begmmng 
:Sr^he«.Wer. the place ^ 

th. north f ^^ ;^::::,te I^f^^^^ 



32G HISTORY or Schenectady county. 

said river, it extends sixteen English Miles up the said river to 
the farthest end of a hill called by the Indians Canaquarione, 
including the Island in the said river and also the said river 
so far as it extends within the said boundaries. To have and 
to Hold all and singular the said tract of land, messuage or 
tenement above mentioned, with their and every ot the here- 
ditaments, premisses and appurtenances unto the said harma- 
nes Brat, Jacobus Van Slyck, John Sanderse, Isaac Swits, 
Isaac Vroomjui, Nicolas Van Petten, Jacob Swits, Jacob 
Vrooman, Frederick Van Patten, Nicolas Groot, Tolij^as Ten 
Eyck, Kyer Wemple, Samuel A. Brat, Nicolas Van Diivolge, 
Abraham Wimple, Abraham Mabie, Jacobus Mynderse, John 
B. Van Eps, Gerrit A. Lansing, Peter Mabie, Harme Van 
Slyck, Isaac S. Swits and Abraham Fonda, and to their 
heirs & assigns forever, in trust to and for the only use. 
benefit and behoof of themselves and the other free holders 
and inhabitance of the said township of Schenectady, their heirs 
and assigns forever. Also I give, devise and bequeath unto 
the said Harmanus Brat, Jacobus Van Slj^ck, John Sanderse, 
Nicholas Van Petten, Isaac Vrooman, Jacob Swits, Isaac 
Swits, Jacob Vrooman, Frederick Van Petten, Nicolas Groot, 
Ryer Wimple, Tobyas Ten Eyck, Samuel A. Brat, Nicolas 
Van Dervolge, Abraham Wimple, Abraham Mabie, Jacobus 
Mynderse, John Babtist Van Eps, Gerrit A. Lansing, Harme 
Van Slyck, Peter Mabie, Isaac S. Swits and Abraham Fonda, 
the patent of the above recited tract of land or of the said 
township of Schenectady, and all other papers, writings, books 
and proceedings relating to the same, and all bills, bounds, 
notes, and all sums of money due or which shall become 
due forever hereafter for rents on lands conveyed by me 
or any other patentees, in trust for said township, and 
also all my right, title, interest, claim and demand which 
I have as surviving patentee, in trust for the said town- 
ship, and it is my will and express order that the said 
Harmanus Brat, Jac()l)us Van Slyck, John Sanderse, Nico- 
las Van Petten, Isaac Vrooman, Jacob Swits, Isaac- Swits, 
Jacob Vrooman, Frederick Van Petten, Nicolas Groot, 
Kyer Wimple, Tobyas Ten Eyck, Samuel A. Brat, Nico- 



APPENDIX C. 



327 



las Van Dervolge, Abraham Wimple, Abraham Mabie. 
Jacobus Mynderse, John B. Van Eps, Gerrit A. Lanshig, 
Harmc Van Slyck, Peter Mabie, Isaac S. Switz, and Abra- 
ham Fonda, or the survivor or survivors of them pay or cause 
to be paid out of the town money now due to me, or 
which shall hereafter be due by rents of land which I have 
herein above given to them or In' sale of any part of the 
above recited tract of land, all costs and charges which may 
arise in and by defending the cause Avhich has been and still 
is clependiug in the court of Chancery at New York at the 
suit or Complaint of Reyer Schermerhorn against me and 
Jacobus Van Slyck, Jacob Swits, and several others herein 
above named. Lastly, I do nominate. Constitute and ap- 
point my trusty friends, Nicolas Van Petten, Jacob Van 
Slyck, John Sanderse, and Abraham Wemp, Executors of 
this my last AVill and Testament, as such of them as shall 
accept theieof, herel)y revoking and making void all former 
and other \vills and Testaments by me heretofore made, ratify- 
ing and contirming this and to be my last will and testament. 
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal 
this eleventh day of March in the fifth year of the reign of 
our Love-reign Lord George the third by the grace of God 
of Great Britain France and Ireland King defender of the 
faith &c. Anno. Q. Domini 17G5. 

Signed sealed published and declared by 
the above named Arent Brat, as and for 
his last will and testament in the presence 

of. .- 

Memorandum that the name of Abraham 
Wemp, one of the executors, was wrote on 
a razure before sealing hereof. 

' ARENT X BKATT. [l. s.] 

mark 

Hendrick Brower, \ 
Elias Post, > 

Cornelius Vrooman. ) 

Albany County, ss. : Be it remembered that on tlu" nine 
tecnth day of November, in the year of our Lord One 1 liou 



328 HISTORY or Schenectady county. 

sand seven hundred and Seventy, personally came & ap- 
peared before me William Hanna, Surrogate of the said 
county, Hendrick Brower, of the town of Schenectady, in the 
county aforesaid, and province of New York, cordwainer ; 
Elias Post, of the same place, county and Province, Gunsmith, 
and Cornelius Vrooman, of the said place, county and Pro- 
vince, Cooper, and ))eing duly sworn on their Oaths, declare 
that they, each of them did see Arent Bratt sign & seal 
the within written Instrument purporting to the will of 
the said Arent Bratt, bearing date the Eleventh day of march, 
A. D. 1765, and heard him publish and declare the same as 
& for his last will and testament ; that at the time thereof, 
he was of a sound, disposing mind & memory, to the best of 

the knowledge & belief of them the ._ _ 

of their own respective hands writing, which they subscribed 
as witnesses to said will in the testator's presence. 

WILLIAM HANNA, Surrogate. 

Recorded & Examined Jan'y 20, 1795. 

R. Lush, Crk. 

All which we have caused by these presents to be 
Exempliiied, and the seal of Our Court of Com- 
[l.s.] mon pleas of said County to be hereunto affixed, 

this 4th Sept. 1811. 

Chas. D. Cooper, Cl^L 



APPENDIX D. 329 

D. 

Fort Johnson, May 8*.^, 1763. 
Mr. Fuller : 

My reason for comeing here this Day was to agree with the 
Workmen whom You intend taking into the Woods with 
You, and as I had uot an opertunity of Seeing You or 
them, I leave this paper to let you know that I am deter- 
mined to give no more than five Shillings per Day to any 
w^iom you may employ for my Work ; if they will not agree 
to that, I desire you will not bring them with You. Neither 
will I oive more to any (yourself Excepted), who work at 
Cap*. Clau's House. What I have promised yon shall be 

paid. 

I am y^- 

W. JOHNSON. 
To M'- Samuel Fuller. 



330 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 



E. 

List of Ye People Kild and Destroyed 

By ye French of Canida and There Indians at Skinnechtady , 
Twenty Miles to ye Westward of Albany, Between Satur- 
day and Sunday, ye 9*.!" day of February. 16ff. 

Myndert Werap killd 1 

Jan van Eps and his Sonne & 2 of his children kild - 4 

a negroe of dito Van Eps - - - - - - 1 

Sei-g"* Church of Cap* Bulls Conip-^ .... l 

Barent Jansse killd and Buind his Sonne kild - - 2 

And^ Arentse Bratt shott and Burnt & also his child'' 2 

Mary Viele wife of Dowe Aukes & her 2 children killd 3 

and his Negro woman Francyn . . . . 1 

Mtiry Alolf, wife of Cornells Viele Jun'", Shott - - I 

Sweer Teunise Shott & Burnt his wife killd & burnt 1 all 2 

Antje Janz. doughter of Jan Spoor, kild & burnt [in 1 
Item 4 Negi-oes of ye said Sweer Teunise ye same 

death 

Euos Talmidge Leift of Capt Bull kild & burnt 

Hend Meese Vrooman k Bartholomeus Vrooman kild & 

burnt -.--.-... 2 

Item 2 Negroes of Hend Meese ye same death - - 2 

Gerrit Marcellis and his wife k childe kild - - - 3 

Kob* Alexander sould'' of Capt Bulls, Shott - - 1 

Rob* hessling shott 1 

Sander ye Sonne of gysbert gerritse, kild k burnt - 1 

Jan Roeloffse de goyer burnt in ye house - - - 1 

Ralph grant a souldier in ye fort, shott - . . 1 
David Christotl'else k his wife w"' 4 children all burnt in 

there house - - - - - - - - 6 

Joris Aertse shott and burnt, Wm. Pietcrse kild - 2 

Joh : Potman kild his wife, kild and her skalp taken off, 2 
Dom" Petrus Tassemaker, ye Minister, kild k burnt 

in his house ....... i 




APPENDIX E. 331 

Fnins hiirmense kild _ _ 1 

Eiigel, the wife of Adam Vroman, shot & burnt her 

childe, the brains dashed out against ye wall 2 

Keynier Schaets and his sonne Ivilled 2 

Daniel Andries & George, 2 souldiers of Capt. Bull 2 

a french girl, Prisoner among ye Mohogs, kild 1 

A Maquase Indian kild 1 

Johannes, ye sonne of Symon Skermerhoorn 1 

3 Negroes of Symon Skermerhorn 3 

I" Jill - - 60 



Leyst of ye Persones which ye French and there Indians 
have taken Prisoners att Shinnechtady and caried to canida, 
ye 9 '' day of February, 16|^- : 

Johannes Teller and his negroe 2 

John Wcmp, sonne of Myndt Wempt k 2 negroes 3 

Symon Abraham, Phillip, Dirck <fe Claes Groot, all 5 

sonnes of Symon Groot 5 

Jan Baptist, sonne of Jan Van Epps 1 

Albert & Johannes Vedder, sonnes of harme Vedder. . 2 

Isaack Cornelise Switts & his Eldest sonne.. 2 

a negroe of Barent Janse — 

Arnout ye sonne of Arnout Corn : Viele, ye Interp' 

Stephen, ye sonne of Gys!)ert Gerritse. 

Lawrence, sonne of Claes Lawrence Purmurent 

Arnout, sonne of Paulyn Janse 

Barent, ye sonne of Adam Vroman & ye neger 

Claes, sonne of Frans Tharmense 

Stephen, adopted sonne of Geertje Bouts. 

John Webb, a souldier Belonging to Capt. Bull 

David Burt, belonging to ye same Comp'^ 

Joseph Marks, of ye same Comp" 

In all - 27 



332 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 



"My comiti-ymen — these thing's ought not to be forg-otten, for the benefit 
of our cliildren and those that follow them ; they should be recorded in 
history." — Franklin. 

It has been stated at page 194 of this book, that a close 
and enduring friendship existed between tlie pilgrims of the 
Plymouth Colony and the Dutch of New Netherlands ; as an 
after thought at this point, two illustrations are deemed 
ap})ropriate. 

What scholarly reader of history does not remember Sasa- 
cus, the great Sachem of the Pequots, the most powerful tribe 
of New England ; a tribe of vindictive and independent spirits, 
who had conquered and governed the nations about them 
without control. They viewed the English as strangers and 
mere intruders, who had no right to the country, nor to inter- 
fere with its original proprietors ; and breathing nothing 
but war and revenge, were determined to extirpate or drive 
them from New England. They artfully courted other tribes, 
urging that by a general combination they could destroy or 
drive them from the country ; that there would Ije no 
necessity of coming to open battles ; that by killing their 
cattle, tiring their houses, laying ambushes on the roads, in 
the tields, and wherever they could surprise and destroy them, 
their wishes could be accomplished. 

This was a gloomy outlook for the sparse settlements, and 
they heroically met the crisis ; but I shall not fatigue the 
reader with the detailed horrors of that day. The prompt 
action of Governor Josiah Winslow ; the boldness of Captain 
Endicot, of Massachusetts ; the fearless bravery of Captain 
Patrick, of Plj-mouth ; the almost superhuman valor and suc- 
cess of Captain Mason, of Connecticut ; the daring of Rev. 
Mr. Stone, of Hartford, chaplain of the forces; the neutrality 
of " Miantmomz,^' the head chief of the Narragansets, and the 
unswerving fidelity of ^'Uncas,^^ chief of the Mohegans, it 
answers ni}^ purpose to say : this great war of extermina- 
tion, preceded I)y horrible destruction of property and butch- 



APPENDIX F. 333 

eries of the defenceless, commenced in February, 1637, and 
was terminated within four months by the ahnost total extinc- 
tion of the Pequot nation. 

Their chief, Sasacus, with the few that remained alive, fled 
west to the country of the Mohawks, and were there attacked 
and slaughtered by that people ; and, in the fall of 1638, 
they presented the scalp of Sasacus to the Governor and 
Council of Massachusetts. This occurred during the admin- 
istration of AVilliam Kieft, as Governor of New Nether- 
lands. 

With Dutch influence, as has been shown, then all powerful 
in the councils of the Mohawks, who cannot trace the attach- 
ment of the Dutch to their pilgrim brothers of Plymouth 
rock, who, during their residence in Holland previous to 
their emigration to New England, had been protected by 
the government of that country in the free enjoyment and 
practical observance of their religious principles ? And I 
\v\\\ here observe, that tdthough circumstances prevented the 
})ilgrims from settling on the banks of the Hudson river 
among their Dutch friends, in accordance with their original 
intention, yet, before disembarking from the Mayflower, 
they adopted a written constitution for the government of 
their colony, which contained the elements of civil and reli- 
gious liberty as developed and practiced in no other Euro- 
pean country but Holland. 

I here, as an episode, introduce an illustration of the savage 
ferocity of those early times. Soon after the extermination 
of the Pequots, the Narragansets, of whom '' Miantonimi'' 
was chief, then the most numerous tribe of New England, 
being displeased with the little attention the English paid to 
them, while they iniiformly manifested great consideration 
for "C/ncm," the Mohegan chief, and his tribe, without pro- 
claimino- war or givirg Uncas the least information, raised 
an army of 1,000 men and marched against him. The spies 
of Uncas apprised him in time, and a great battle took place 
where now stands Norwich. Says Trumbull, in his history 
of the Indian Wars, p. 38 : "About 50 of the Narragansets 
were killed, and a much greater number wounded and taken 



334 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

prisoners. Among the hitter, was Mianotonlmi, his brother 
and two of the sons of Canonicus, whom Uncas conducted in 
triumph to Mohegan. Some few days after, Uncas conducted 
Miantonimi back to the spot where he was taken, for the 
purpose of putting him to death. At the instant they arrived 
on ihe ground, an Indian, who was ordered to march in the 
rear for the purpose, sunk a hatchet into his head, and dis- 
patched him at a single stroke. He was probably imacquainted 
with his fate, and knew not by what means he fell. Uncas 
cut out a large piece of his shoulder, which he devoured in 
savage triumph, declaring in the meantime that ' il was the 
sweetest tneat lie ever ate ; it made his heart strong J " So much 
in evidence of the refined " toi-^e^ " and noble qualities of 
" Uncasr a never-failing friend of the English colonists. 

It was on the 21st day of December, 1621, that the great 
Sachem Massasoit (after whom Massachusetts is named) wel- 
comed the pilgrims to Plymouth, and concluded with them 
on the following day a treaty of friendship, which the parties, 
during Massasoit's life, mutually continued honorably tofultill. 

But it was in 1G72, about 50 years afterwards, that Massa- 
soit's youngest son, Phili[), of Mount Hope (now Bristol, 
Rhode Island), a man of such majestic statiu'e, muscular 
power, persuasive craft, and commanding eloquence, that, as 
a mark of pre-eminence, he was called by his own and other 
tribes King-Chief of the "■ JSfipiiet^'' tribe, played his deep 
game to exterminate the whites, or at least drive them out of 
the country. The Sious., /Sitting-Bull, of our day, is but a 
King Philip in miniature. The Shawnee chief, Tecumseh, 
perhaps offers the nearest })arallel to King Philip's indomita- 
ble perseverance and genius. 

By personal visitations this jjowerful savage was artfully 
persuading his red brethren throughout the whole of the 
New England States, and even the tierce Mohawks, to rise 
en tnasse and extirpate the whites. But the Mohawks indig- 
nantly expelled him and his emissaries from their b(n'ders. 
Here again Ave can mark (he Dutch attachment to their pil- 
grim brothers of Plymouth. 

lUit Avith some tribes Philip's chxiuent and insidious efibrts 



APPENDIX F. 335 

were successful. The Nairagansets for this purpose had 
engaged to raise 4,000 lighting men. The s[)ring of 1672 
was the time fixed for the exterminating bh)w, and the Indians 
of various tribes daily flocked to Philip's head-(iuarters. 
Trumbull says, in his Indian Wars, p. 43 : "The war-whoop 
was sounded, when the Indians conuncnced an indiscriminate 
murder of tlio defenceless inhabitants of Swanzey, sparing not 
the tender infant at the breast ; bnt 3 of 78 persons, which 
the town contained, made their escape." This was a small 
settlement adjoining Mount Hope, the head-quarters of 
Philip. 

It is impracticable within my limits to enter upon the 
details of this cruel war ; it lasted, with unspeakable barbari- 
ties, desolation and blood-shed, until the 12th of August, 1G7G, 
when King Philip was slain, at his old home. Mount Hope, 
under the following circumstances, as related by Trumbull, 
at p. 69, etc. : 

" Philip, it appeared, in attempting to fly from his pursuers, 
was recognized by one of the English, who had been stationed 
with the Mohegans to intercept him, and at whom he leveled 
his piece ; but the priming being unfortunately wet and pre- 
venting the discharge thereof, the cunning sachem would yet 
have escaped, had not one of the brave sons of Uncas at this 
instant given him the contents of his musket. The ball went 
directly through his heart. Thus fell Philip, who was the 
projector and instigator of a war which not only proved the 
cause of his own destruction, but that of nearly all his tribe, 
once the most numerous of any inhabiting New England. 

"It was at this important instant that the English were 
made witnesses of a remarkable instance of savage custom. 
Oneco, on learning that Philip had fallen by the hand of one 
of his tribe, urged that, agreeably to their custom, he had an 
undoubted right to the body, and the right to feast himself 
with a piece thereof ; which the English not objecting to, he 
deliberately drew his long knife from his girdle, and Avitli it 
detached a piece of flesh from the bleeding body of Philip, of 
about one pound weight, which he broiled and ate, in the 
meantime declaring that 'he had not, for many moons, eaten 



336 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 

anything with so good an appetite.' The head of Phihp was 
severed from his body, and sent, by Captain Chnrch, to 
Boston, to be presented to the Governor and Council as a 
valuable trophy." 

Thus ended the treacherous, bloody and ambitious life of 
King Philip, of Mount Hope, undoubtedly the most remark- 
able savage that ever rose and for a time flourished in North 
America. 

Let me add, for the information of coming generations, that 
it was near the close of King Philip's war, that the United 
Colonies of New England, taking into serious consideration 
the recent successes of their urms in many parts of their 
country, appointed the 27th day of August, 1676, to be 
observed throughout New Eiighmd as a dcuj of public 
Thanksgiving and Praise to Ahnighty God. 

This was the commencement of the annual custom of the 
colonial fathers, which, to the present day, is so religiously 
observed by their descendants throughout the New England 
States ; that her scattered children, from the frozen North to 
the sunny South, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, gather 
around the old folks at home and their hearths on that 
consecrated day. 



IKDEX 



Adams, Archibald Hamilton, 183. 

Adams, Margaret, 184. 

Adams, James, 183. 

Adams, William, 183. 

Adi-iance, Peter, 9, 45. 

Adriance, John, 46. 

Albany Street (now State), 20. 

Anderson, James, 208. 

Anderson, William, 208. 

Appendix A, 297. 

Appendix B. 313. 

Appendix C, 324. 

Api^endix D, 329. 

Appendix E, 330. 

Appendix F, 332. 

Api)le. John, 44, 77. 

Apple, Maria Magdalena, 77. 

Apjvie, Simon. 77. 

Apple, WiUiam, 44, 77. 

Aukes, Dowe (see under C. C. Viele). 

Backus, Rev. J. Trumbull, 263, etc. 

Baijley, Timothy, 289. 

Banker, Elizabeth, 49. 

Banker, Evert, 49, 74. 

Banker, Gei-rit, 9, 49. 

Barhydt, John, 67. 

Barhydt, John, and his descendants, 

166, etc. 
Barret, Anna, 166. 
Barret, Mai-ia, 166. 
Barret, William, 166. 
Batteaus, 246. 
Bayard, Stephen N., 247. 
Beal, Moses, 252. 
Beukendal Massacre, 226. 
Beck, Anna, 139. 
Beck, Caleb, 139. 
Beck, Caleb, Jr., 140. 
Beck, Elizabeth. 139. 
Beck, Engel, 139. 
Beck, Marg-aret, 140. 
Beck, for remaining- names, see 140. 
Beekman, John Jacob, 39. 
Bent, Hendrickse Lambertse, 78. 
Bellinger, Col., 233. 



Beresani, Father, 25. 

Beverwyck, 2, 4, 5, 9. 

Binekill, 19. 

Bleeker, Jane, 31. 

Borsboom, Peter Jacobus, 9, 62. 

Bosie, Gertruy, 139. 

Bosie, Maria, 139. 

Bosie, Peter, 139. 

Bosie, Philip, 139. 

Boyd, James, 213. 

Boyd, David, 215. 

Bi-adt, Aeffie, 

Bradt, Aaron, 289. 

Bradt, Arent An<iries, 51, 57, 73. 

Bradt, Andries Arentse, 2d. 

Bradt, Andries Arent, 3d. 

Bradt, Bathsheba, 

Bradt, Arent, 210, 212. 

Bradt, Angelica, 

Bradt, Amerst, 

Bradt, Andreas, 

Bradt, Catalina, 9, 68. 

Bradt, Catalyntie, 2d. 

Bradt, Catalyntie, 3d, 

Bradt, Dirk, 72. 

Bradt, Dirk, Jr. 

Bradt, E]ihraim, 

Bradt, John, 

Bradt, Jacobus, 

Bradt, Margaret, 

Bradt, Margaretta, 

Bradt, Maria, 

Bradt, Samuel, 68. 

Bradt, Samuel, 2d, 

Bradt, Harriet, 

Bradt, Susanna, 

Bradt, House, 60, 273. 

Bracham, Joseph, and his descend- 
ants, 176. 

Brandywine rift, 245. 

Brandt, May, 233. 

Brewer, Andi-oese Arentse Bradt, 52. 

Bronk, Jonas, 22. 

Brower, Maria, 62. 

Brower, Philip Hendrickson, 9, 26. 

Brower, Rev. Thomas, 260. 



338 



INDEX. 



Brown, Rev. Georg-e Jr., 270. 
Brown, John W., and his descend- 
ants, 178, etc. 
Bruster, Johnathan, 289. 
Bui-r, Theodore, 244. 
Butler, Walter, 289. 

Cain, Nicholas, 61. 

Camberfort, Gei-ardus, 117. 

Campbell. Angelica, 180. 

Campbell, Daniel, 179, 246, 276, 282. 

Campbell, \Vm. W., 234. 

Carley, Joseph, 60. 

Carstensen, Elizabeth, 117. 

Carstensen, Teunise, 117. 

Carstensen, Teunise. Jr., 117. 

Caughnawaga Mohawks, 8. 

Caughnawaga Rift, 245. 

Cayuga Indians, 14. 

Christiance, Christian, 70, 88. 

Christiance, Cornelius, 88. 

Chi-istiance, John, 88. 

Christiance, Neeltje, 70. 

Church Street, 20. 

Church, Baptist, its history, 270, etc. 

Church, Baptist, pastors of, 270, etc. 

Church Episcopal, its history, 261, 
etc. 

Church, Ejiiscopal, its pastors, 262, 
etc. 

Church, Methodist Ei)iscopal, history 
of, 266, etc. 

Church, Methodist Episcopal, pastors 
of, 268, etc. 

Church, Presbyterian, history of, 263, 
etc. 

Church, Presbyterian, pastors of, 264, 
etc. 

Church, Presbyterian, tirst deacons 
of, 264. 

Church, Presbyterian, first pew- 
holders of, 264. 

Church, Refd Pi-otestant Dutch, his- 
tory of, 258, etc. 

Church, Refd Protestant Dutch, pas- 
tors of, 259, etc. 

Clark, Classe Tryntje, 78. 

Clement, Jacobus, 142. 

Clement, Johannes, 142. 

Clement, Joseph, 142. 

Clement, Ludovicus Cobes, 142. 

Clement, Maria, 142. 

Clement, Peter, 1st, 142. 

Clement, Peter, 2d, 142. 

Clement, Sarah, 142. 

Clement, Susanna, 142. 

Clinch, Robert, 273. 

Clinch, Thomas B., 274. 

Clinton, De Witt, 17. 



Clute, Anna Barbara, 108. 

Clute, Anna Catrina. 108. 

Clute, Frederick, 108. 

Clute. Gen-it, 107. 

Clute, Gei-i-it, Sr., 107. 

Clute, Hellena, 108. 

Clute, Jacob, 107. 

Clute, Jillis, 56. 

Clute, John, 107. 

Clute, Johannes, 47, 107. 

Clute, Johannes, numerous descend- 
ants of (see body of work consecu- 
tively stated). 1*07. 

Clute, Margaritje, 108. 

Clute, Nicholas; 107. 

Clute, Peter, 107. 

Clute, Pieter, 107. 

Clute, Waldren, 108. 

Cobes, Clara, 98. 

Cobes, Ludovicus, 98, 212. 

Cobes, Maria, 98. 

Colman, John, 12. 

Colman's Point, 13. 

Combs, Alexander, 213. 

Conde, Adam, and his descendants, 
162, etc. 

Conde, Cornelus Santvoord, and his 
descendants, 163, etc. 

Consaul, Bastian, 104. 

Consaul, Emanuel, 103. 

Consaul, Emanuel, 2d, 104. 

Consaul, Fi-ancyntje, 104. 

Consaul, John, 104. 

Consaul, John, 2d, 104. 

Consaul, Johannes, 104. 

Consaul, Joseph, 104. 

Consaul, Peter, 104. 

Consaul, Sai-a, 104. 

Constable, Anna, 208 

Corl, Hendrick, and his descendants, 
174, etc. 

Corlear (see Schenectady). 

Corlett, William, 245. 

Corry, William, 289. 

Corrysbush. 249, 289. 

Cox, Colonel ,233. 

Craig, Archibald, 208. 

Crigier (see Krigier). 

Cromwell, Aegje, 141. 

Cromwell, Jacobus, 141. 

Cromwell, Jan Philipse, 141. 

Cromwell, Lysbeth, 141. 

Cromwell, Stephen, 141. 

Crosby, William, 289. 

Cunningham, William, 208. 

Cuplei", Cornelius, 279. 

Dai'ling, Rev. T. G., 265, etc. 
Davids, Christoffelse, 88. 



INDEX. 



339 



Davids, Ludoviens, 139. 

Davids, Thomas, 139. 

Day, Rev. Horace G., 270. 

De Champlain, Gov. Samuel, 15. 

De Graft", Abi-ahain, William and 
Nicholas, 226. 

De Graft", Abraham. 2d. 111. 

De Graff", Abi-aham, 3d, 111. 

De Graft", Class, 47. 

De jGiaff",' Class Andriese, 111. 

De Graff", Elizabeth, 111. 

De Graff", Jessie, 68. 

De Graft", John, 113, 215. 

De Draft", Nicholas, 111, 226. 

De Gi'aft" (foi- remaininuf names, see 
work), 112, etc. 

Delamont, John, and his descend- 
ants, 164, etc. 

Delias, Rev. Godfi-eidus, 259. 

De Winter, Bastian, 9. 

DeVos, Andras, 57. 

Dong-an, Catharine (wife of A. L. 
Glen), 29. 

Dongan, Governor, 24. 

Dong-an, Margaret, 49. 

Duane, Hon. James, 55, 289. 

Duane, James, 208. 

Duanesburgh, 2S9. 

Dunbar, John, and his descendants, 
165 etc. 

Duncan, John, 181, 211, 245, 249, 289. 

Duncan, John, his descendants, 181, 
etc. 

Durham boats, 244, 247. 

Dyer, John, 121. 

Eenkluys, Hans Janse (important), 

82. 
Ehles rift, 245. 
Ellice, Alexander, 249, 281. 
Ellice, James, 208, 246, 249. 
Ellice, Robert, 249, 281. 
Ellice, Thomas, 249. 
Errickson, Rev. Reinhart, 67. 

Fairly, Alida, 159. 

Fairly, Annatje, 159. 

Fairly, Engeltie. 160. 

Fairly, Hester, 159. 

Fairly, Johannes, 159. 

Fairly, John, 159. 

Faii-ly, Margaret, 160. 

Fairly, Maria, 159. 

Feeling, Peter, and his descendants, 

160. 
Ferry Street, 19, 20, 21. 
Fine for being late at a meeting 

Committee of Safety, 286. 
Fonda, Abrams, the house of, 32, 134. 



Fonda, Alexander Glen, 32. 

Fonda, Douw, 131. 

Fonda, Jacob, the house of, 134. 

Fonda, .Jellis, 131. 

Fonda, Jellis A., 134. 

Fonda, Margaret, 133. 

Fonda, Major JeUis, 132, 295. 

Fonda, Major JeUis J., 135, 279. 

Fonda, for remainder of names, see 

134, etc. 
Fontain, M. 25. 
Forrest, David P., 215. 
Fort Hunter rift, 245. 
Fort Orange, 2, etc. 
Freeman, Rev. Bernardus, 259. 
Front sti-eet, 20. 
Frost, James, 213, 216. 
Fryer Henry, 213. 
Fuller, Amelia Ann, 202. 
Fuller, Ann. 197, 202. 
Fuller, Anna, 193. 
Fuller, Charles, 202. 
Fuller, Edward, 201. 
Fuller, Elizabeth, 202. 
Fuller, George Kendall, 201. 
Fuller, Henry, 202. 
Fullei-, James, 202. 
Fuller, Jeremiah, 193, 197. 
Fuller, Richard, 201. 
FuUei-, Robart, 202. 
Fuller, Samuel, 61, 192, 197, 201. 
Fuller, William Kendall, 61, 198. 

Gansevoort, Col. Peter, 231. 

Gardenier, Capt. Barent, 237. 

Gibson, Alexander C, 215. 

Gei-ritse, Frederick, 115. 

Glen, Abraham, 39, 212. -^ 

Glen, Alexander Lindsey, 6, 9, 14, 22, 
27, 30, 209, 250. 

Glen, Alexander, 68. ■ 

Glen, Alexandei- (important), 33, 217. 

Glen, Anna. 31, 33. 

Glen, Cathrine, 31. 34, 37, 40. 

Glen, Deborah, 33, 39. 

Glen, Elias, 37. 

Glen, Helena, 27, 72. 

Glen, Hellena, 37. 

Glen, Henry, 50, 212, 213, 273. 

Glen, Col. Heni-y (member of Con- 
gress), 31. 

Glen, Jacob, 28, 29, 32. 212. 

Glen, Jacob (commonly called Col. 
Jacob), 33, 38, 227. 

Glen, Jacob Alexander, 31, 32, 33, 34, 
37, 39, 247. 

Glen, Jeremia, 32, 37. 

Glen, John, 31, 37, 50, 61, 273. 

Glen, John, son of Elias, 38. 



340 



INDEX. 



Glen, John(Qiiartermaster),32, 33, 37. 
Glen, John Alexander, 23, 31, 33, 34, 

39, 45, 58, 210, 217, 219, 224. 
Glen, John Alexander (the third and 

young-est son of Alexander Lindsey 

Glen), 137. 
Glen, Maria, 37. 
Glen, Sarah, 38, 39. 
/ Glen dwelling- in Schenectady, 59. 
,Glen, of Scotia, 13, 27, 29. 
' Graham, John, 294. 
Groot, Abraham, 71. 
Groot, Class, 71. 
Groot, Cornelius, 71. 
Groot, Dirk, 71. 
Groot, Nicholas, 212. 
Groot, Philip, 71. 
Groot, Simon A., 213. 
Groot, Simon, Jr., 52, 71. 
Groot, Symon, 71. 
Groot, Symon Symonse, 26, 70. 

Halfmoon, 13. 

Hall, John, 120. 

Hall, William, 48, 120. 

Hall, William, Jr.. 120, 121. 

Hall, Talmag-e, 252. 

Hall, for remaining" names, see 121. 

Handelaers street (now Washington 
avenue), 19. 

Haverly, Christian, 213. 

Haverly, John, 66. 

Haverly, Wemple, 67. 

Heemstreet, Ariantje, 166. 

Heemstreet, Annatje, 166. 

Heemstreet, Clara, 166. 

Heemstreet, Machtelt, 166. 

Heemstreet, Johannes, 165. 

Heemstreet, Johannes, Jr., 166. 

Heemstreet, Sarah, 166. 

Hellene, Monsieur De St., 20. 

Hendrick, Kingf, 8. 

Herkimer, Gen'l Nicholas, his brav- 
ery, and death, 230, etc. 

Hermitage, 196. 

HesseUng, Dirk, 88. 

Hesseling, Robert, 88. 

Hilton, Benj., 277. 

Horsford, Ruben, and his descend- 
ants, 175. 

Hudson, Hendrick, 12. 

Hudson, John, 252. 

Hunter, Fort, rift. 245. 

Himter, Arthur W., 215. 

Isenbord, Major John. 234. 
Ingoldsby, George, 289. 

Jan, Spor, 71. 



Jansen, Paulus, 89. 
Jaques, Father, 25. 
Jonekers, Fritze, 77. 
Jonekers, Jan Janse, 77- 
Jonekers, Pretei'ge, 77. 
Jonekei's, Rachel, 77. 
Johnson, Sii- Wm., 245. 
Johnson, Daniel, 211. 
Jones, Sam'l W., 215. 

Kane, Charles, 208. 

Keator's rift, 245. 

Kelly, Alexander, 208, 250. 

Kieft, Gov., 3. 

Kleyn, Al)raham, 103. 

Kleyn, Bata, 103. 

Kinney, John, 252. 

Kittle, Daniel, 191. 

Kittle, David, 191. 

Kittle, Deborah, 191. 

Kittle, Joachim, 191. 

Kittle, Lybrant, 191. 

Kittle, Margaret, 191. 

Kittle, Mark, 191. 

Kittle,, Sarah, 191. 

Kittle, for remaining names, see 191, 

etc. 
Krigier (Crigier), Annatie, 88. 
Krigier (Crigier), Catharina, 88. 
Krigier (Ci-igier), Elizabeth, 47, 87. 
Krigier (Ci-igier), Frans, 88. 
Krigier (Ci-igiei-), Gertruy, 88. 
Krigier (Crigier), Maria, "S7. 
Krigier (Ci'igier), Martinus, 88. 
Krigier (Crigier), Capt. Martin, 85, 

288. 
Krigier (Crigier), Martin, 85, 212. 
Krigier (Crigier), Samuel, 87. 
Kulleman, Gerrit Class, 83. 

Lambert, John, 67. 

Landon, Hon. Judson S., 293. 

Lansing, Gerrit, Jr., 37. 

Lashers of Oriskany, 230. 

Lighthall, Abraham, 157. 

Lighthall, Abraham, son of William, 

158. 
Lighthall, William, 1.58. 
Lighthall family at large, see work, 

158, etc. 
Linn, Archiball, 215. 
Lion St., 19. 
Little Falls, 245. 
Lovelace, Gov'i", 26. 
Lusher, Eri, 247, 248. 
Lyman, William, 208, 250. 

Mantet, De, 20. 
Marinus, Catharina, 98. 



INDEX. 



341 



Marinns, David, 98. 

Mariiius, Neeltie, 98. 

Mai-inus, William, 98. 

Mai'sellus, John, house of, 60. 

Mai'selis, Ahasueras, 108. 

Marselis, Ahasuei-as, 2d, 109. 

Marselis, Gerrit, 108. 

Marselis, Henry, 109. 

Marselis, John, 109. 

Marselis, John A., 109. 

Marselis, Nicholas, 109. 

Marselis, for remaining- names, see 

109. 
Martin, Charles, 202, 246, 250. 
Martelaer's Street, 20. 
Mathews, Andrew, 208. 
Mathews, Charles, 208. 
Mathews, John, 208. 
Mc-Camns, William, 208. 
McCxinnis, Alexander, 175. 
McGinnis, Capt. Wm., 175, 295. 
McMichael, Richard, 213. 
McMullen, Andrew, 215. 
Mebie, Abraham, 70, 101, 228. 
Mebie, Anna, 62, 102. 
Mebie, Arent, 101. 
Mebie, Harmanus, 101. 
Mebie, Jan, 101. 
Mebie, Jan Pieterse, 55, 100. 
Mebie, Jan, 101. 
Mebie, Peter, 101. 
Mebie, Peter, 2d, 101. 
Mebie, for remaining names, see 102. 
Mitchell, Andrew, 203, 250. 
Mitchell, Thomas B., 64. 
Mohawk Bridge, 244. 
Mohawk Indians, 8, 13, 14. 
Mohawk River, 19. 
Money, American and Hard, 283. 
Monsignat, Monsieur De, 20. 
Montague, Johannes La, 4, 10. 
Morris, Gov., 236. 
Munro, John, 187. 
Murdock, James, 208. 
Myers, Moi-decai, 215. 
Myers, Stewart, 61. 
Mynderse, Jacobus, 212. 
Mynderse, Johannes, 129. 
Mynderse, Col. Johannes, 130, 279. 
Mynderse, Maritie, 32, 44. 
Mynderse, Myndert, 129. 
Mynderse, Reinier, 130, 214, 273. 
Mynderse, for remaining names, see 

130, etc. 

Nicholas, Gov'r Richard, 22, 25. 
Niskayuna, 287. 

Niskayuna street (now Union), 20. 
North, William, 213. 



Nott, Rev. Eliphalet, D.D., LL. D., 

293. 
New Netherlands, 3, 4. 
New England, 4. 

Oliver, John, 62. 

Oneidas, 14. 

Onondagas, 14. 

Oathout, Abraham, 185, 215. 

Oathout, Abraham, son of Abraham, 
Senior, 186. 

Oathout, Elizabeth, 187. 

Oathout, Gerrit, 186. 

Oathout, Gen-it L., 186. 

Oathout, Helen, 186. 

Oathout, Henry A., 186. 

Oathout, Margaret, 187. 

Oathout, Samuel N., 186. 

Orange, Fort, 2, etc 

Oi'iskany, battle of, one of the most 
inipoi'tant of the Revolutionary 
War. Its heirs descendants p{ the 
Holland D utch and Palatinates, 230. 

Otten, Catharine, 40. 

Otten, Helmer, 42, 45. 

Ouderkirk, Johannes, 121. 

Overslaugh in 1609, 13. 

Page, John Keyes, 194. 

Page, Winslow, 194. 

Paige, Hon. Alonzo C, 31, 195, 293. 

Peek, Anna, 33, 84. 

Peek, Annatje, 84. 

Peek, Elizabeth, 84. 

Peek, Harmanus, 213. 

Peek, Jan, 83. 

Peek, Jacobus, 84. 

Peek, John, 84, 279. 

Peek, Johannes, 228. 

Peek, Lewis, 280. 

Peek, Maria, 84. 

Peek, Sai-a, 71, 84. 

Peters, William, and his descendants, 

161, etc. 
Phvn, James, 249, 281. 
Philipse, Philip, 117. 
Pierson, Pi-of. Johnathan, 11, 21. 
Platte Island, 248. 
Post, Catalina, 162. 
Post, Ehas, 162. 
Post, John, 162. 
Potter, Benj. F., 215. 
Potter, Hon. Piatt, 293. 
Powell, Thomas. 253. 
Prince, John, 289. 
Princetown, ^49, 289. 
Putman, Arent, 77. 
Putman, Cornelius, 77. 
Putman, John, 52. 



342 



Pntman, Johannes, 76. 
Putman, Victor, 77. 

Qnackenhos, David, 137. 
Quackenbos, Johannes, 47, 137. 
Qnackenhos, Petei-, 137. 
Quackenbos, for remaining^ names, 

see, 138. 
Quebeck, 15, 22. 

Rensselaerwyck, 2, 4, 5. 

Rifts of Mohawk above Schenectady, 

245. 
Rinckhont, Gerti-uy, 71. 
Rinckhont, Ida, 116. 
Rinckhout, Jan, 71, 115. 
Rinckhont, Jnrian, 116. 
Rinckhout, Tunis, 116. 
Roberts, Benj'n, 115. 
Robinson, John, 245. 
RoeUxfsen, Jan, 84. 
Roge'-s. John, 253. 
Rosa, Annatie, daughter of Isaac, 192. 
Rosa, Edwai-d. 192. 
Rosa, Isaac, 192. 
Rosa, Heniy, 192. 
Rosa, James, son of Isaac, 192. 
Rosa, Richard, son of Isaac, 192. 
Rosa, Richard, 2d, 192. 
Rowley, Maj., 237. 
Rowe, Petter, 203, 215. 
Ryckman, Engeltie, 92. 
Ryckman, Guetje, 92. 
Ryley, Alida, 174. 
Ryley, Gertrude, 174. 
Ryley, James Van Slyck, 75, 174 
Ryley, Philip, 173. 

Safety, Committee of, 275. 

Sanders, John, husband of Debora 

Glen, 39. 
Sanders John, 2d, 29, 39, 214. 
Sanders, Maria, Sarah Elsie and 

Margaret, 39. 
Sanders, John, 3d, 39, 212. 
Schaats, Annietje, 89. 
Schaats, Uomine, 28, 89. 
Schaats, Gidon, 89. 
Schaats, Rynier, 89. 
Schenectady, 2, 19, 20. 
Schermerhorn, Abraham Van Patten, 

54. 
Schermerhorn, Andrew Vedder, 45. 
Schermerhorn, Angelica, 54. 
Schermerhorn, Anna Maria, 54. 
Schermei-hoi-n, Annatje, 54. 
Schermerhorn, Arent, 42. 
Schermerhorn, A7-iantje, 42, 43. 
Schermerhorn, Bartholomew, 43, 54. 



Schermerhorn, Bartholomew Tellei-, 
54. 

Schermerhorn, Bernard ns Freeman, 
43, 54. 

Schermerhorn, Catalina, 42. 43. 

Schei-merhoi-n, Catharine, 54. 

Schermei'horn, Class, 53. 

Schermerhoi-n, Eliza Margaret, 54. 

Schei'merhorn, Engeltie, 43, 53. 

Schermerhorn, Gen-it, 53. 

Schermerhorn, Gezina, 4'3. 

Schermerhorn, Isaac M., 215. 

Schermerhorn, Jacob, 42, 43, 279. 

Schermerhorn, Jacob Janse, 41, 42. 

Schermerhorn, James. 54. 

Schermei-horn, .Jane, 54. 

Schei-merhorn, Jannette, 42. 

Schermerhoi-n, Jannetje, 42. 43. 

Schermerhorn, Jan Janse, 212. 

Schermerhoi-n, John, 42, 43. 

Schermerhorn, Lucas, 42. 

Schermerhorn, Machtelt, 42. 

Schermerhorn, Madalena, 43. 

Schermerhorn, M;irgar('ti(\ 53. 

Schermei'horn. ?,I;ir'i;i. .".;], r)4. 

Schermerh.irn, M:ms. 75, 215. 

Schermei'hoi'ti. Neeltje. 42, 43. 

Schermerhorn, Richard, 53. 

Schermerhorn, Ryer, 40, 41, 42, 53, 
.55. 58, 210, 212.' 

Schermerhorn, Ryei', Jr., 54. 

Schei-merhorn, Simon, 54, 220. 

Schermerhorn, Symon, 42, 43. 

Schermerhorn, William, 54. 

Schuyler, John, Jr., 216. 

Schuyler, Nicholas, 212. 

Schuyler, Peter, 210. 

Schuyler, Gen. Philip, 273. 

Scotia, Glens of, 13, 27, 29. 

Seneca Indians, 14. 

Shannon, Robert, and his descend- 
ants, 175, etc. 

ShurtliflF, Joseph, 213. 

Sixberry, Mannarck, 125. 

Sixberry, Mary, 125. 

Sixberry, William, 125. 

Sixth Flat rift, 245. 

Slackboom, Antonia, 22. 

Slingerlaml, Anna, 125. 

SlingerJand, Calli.-iriue, 66, 125. 

Slingerlaml, Cornelius, 66, 125. 

Slingerland, Engeltie, 125. 

Slingerland, Mai-ia, 125. 

Slingerland, Tunis, 126. 

Smith, Abel, 215. 

Smith, Rev. John Blair, 264. 

Smith, Thomas, 122. 

Smith, Wm. Howes, 215. 

Snells of Oriskany, 240. 



INDEX. 



343 



Sprag-ne, Asa, 253. 

Spencer, Thomas, a half-blood 
Oneida chief, 232. 

Spilzer, Ei-nestus, and his descend- 
ants, 182, etc. 

Spoor, Jan, 71. 

Spring-steen, Casperius, 122. 

Stanwix, Fort, 246. 

State street, 19, 20. 

Steers, Cornelius, 159. 

Steers, Gertruv, 159. 

Steers, John, 67, 159. 

Steers, Saninel, 159. 

Steei-s, St. John, 159. 

Stevens, Arent, 48, 118. 

Stevens, Jobnathan, 48, 118. 

Stevens, Capt. Johnathan, 118, 295. 

Stevens, Nicholas Hendricus, 48, 118, 

Stevens, for I'emaining- names, see 
118, etc. 

St. Leg-er, Gen'l Barry, 231. 

Stuyvesant, Peter, 09. 

Swart, Adam, 73. 

Swart, Coi-nelins, 72. 

Swai-t, Esaias, 72. 

Swart, Esaias. Jr., 73. 

Swart, Jacomyntje, 73. 

Swart, Maria. 73. 

Swart, Sara, 73. 

Swart, Teunis, 73, 280. 

Swart, Teunisse Cornelise, 72. 

Swart, Wo liter, 73. 

Svvarttiguer, Mr., 31. 

Swits, Abraham, 75. 

Swits, Abraham J., 76. 

Swits, Maj. Abi-aham, 76, 279. 

Swits, Andries, 76. 

Swits, Ariantje, 76. 

Swits, Catharine, 75. 

Swits, Class Corneliuse, 26. 

Swits, Cornelias, 7, 74. 

Swits, Eva, 75. 

Swits, Helena, 75. 

Swits, Hellena, daughter of Abra- 
ham, 75. 

Swits, Hendricks, 75. 

Swits, Isaac, 32, 49, 74. 

Swits, Isaac, son of Jacob, 75. 

Swits, Jacob, 74. 

Swits, Jacob, 2, 76. 

Swits, Jacob, 3, 76. 

Swits, Jane Helen, 76. 

Swits, Jannetje, 75. 

Swits, Johannes, 76. 

Swits, Maria, 75. 

Swits, Maria, daughter of Abraham, 
75. 

Swits, Margerretta, 76. 

Swits, Nicholas, 76. 



Swits, Simon, 74. 
Swits, Susanna, 75. 
Swits, Susanna, daughter of Abra- 
ham, 75. 
Swits, Rebecca. 32, 76. 
Swits, Walter, 75. 

Talmage, Lieut. Enos, 218. 

Taschmaker, Rev. Petries, 28, 29, 
259. 

Tannahill, John, 208, 250 

Tannahill. Robert, 208, 250. 

Teller, Anna, 50. 

Teller, Jacobus, 50. 

Teller, John, 14, 39, 49, 50, 211. 

Teller, Maria, 39, 50. 

Teller, Margaret, 50. 

Teller, William, 9, 39, 49, 50, 209. 

Teller, William James, 287. 

Ten Eyck, Myndard Schuyler, 39, 
177. 

Ten Eyck, remaining, 177, etc. 

Ten Eyck, Tobias, and his descend- 
ants, 72, 176. 

Thorn, Herman, 68. 

Thorn, Jonathan, 68. 

Thorn, Samuel, 68. 

Thorpe, Aaron, 253. 

Thornton, Major John, 295. 

Tickston, Deborah, 122. 

Tickston, Elizabeth, 122. 

Tickston, Jeremiah, 122. 

Toll, Carel H(mse. 123. 

Toll, Daniel, 55, 123, 226. 

Toll, John, 123. 

Toll. Karl Hansen, 67, 72, 122, 212. 

Toll, Simon, 226. 

Toll, for other names, see work, 
123, etc. 

Tomlinson, David, 208, 250. 

Tracy, M. De, 22, 25. 

Truax, Abraham, 67, 79, 81. 

Truax, Andreas, 80. 

Truax, Annatje, 80. 

Trua.K, Catalyntje, 80. 

Truax, Elizabeth, 72, 80, 82, 

Truax, Eva, 82. 

Truax, Isaac, 72. 

Truax, Isaac, 2d, 80. 

Truax, Isaac, 3d, 81. 

Truax, Jillis, 80. 

Truax, Isaac, 79, 81. 

Truax, Jacob, 79, 81. 

Truax, John, 80. 

Truax, Martin us, 81. 

Truax, Margaretta, 81. 

Truax, Maria. 79, 81. 

Truax, Peter, 81. 

Truax, Philip, 71, 79, 81. 



344 



INDEX. 



Truax. Rebecca, 79. 

Truax. Sai-a, 79, 80, 82. 

Truax, Susanna, 79. 

Truax. William, 81. 

Truax, i-einaiuing- names under fam- 
ily head of the woi-k, 79, 80. 

Tymesen, Eldei't, and his descend- 
ants, 1.57. 

Tynes, Mi.;hael, 192. 

Tynes, Samuel, 192. 

Tynes, Sophia, 81. 

Union College, 32. 
Union street, 20. 

Van Antwerp, Margai-et, 277. 

Van Antwerpen, Ai-ent, 82. 

Van Antwerpen, Daniel L., 213. 

Van Antwerpen, Daniel Janse, G7, 82. 

Van Antwtrpen, Daniel, 82. 

Van Antwerpen, Jan. 82. 

Van Antwerpen, Elizalieth, 81. 

Van Antwerpen, Maria, 82. 

Van Antwei-pen, Nieltje, 82. 

Van Antwerpi'ii, Pictei-, 82. 

Van AntwerpiMi, P..'I>ccca. 82. 

Van Antwerpen, Sinum, 82. 

Van Benthuysen, Catalyutje, 122. 

Van Benthuysen, Cornelia, 56. 

Van Benthuvs(-n. Martin, 02, 122. 

Van Brakel." Al.'xau.ler. 2(3, 11(3. 

Van Bi-akel, (x.-n-it, 117. 

Van Brakel, Gysbert Gei'ristse, 26, 

116. 
Van Brakel, Gysbei-t, Jr.. 117. 
Van Brakel, Stcpli-Mi, -JT. 11(5. 
Van B().-<ckha,vcn. Class .la n,s,.. 
Van Copiiornold, Class William, 47. 
Van Curler, Mi's. Antonia, 26, 64. 
Van Curlei-, Aarent, 4, 9, 10, 22, 34, 

49, 64. 
Van Der Boast, Joris Arise, 85. 
Van Der Bog-ert, Anna, 100. 
Van Dei- Boy.-i't. Class. 99. 
Van Der Bo^ei-t, ( 'lass, 2d, 99. 
Van Der Bo-ei-t, Fraus, 99. 
Van Der Boi,'-(M-t. Krans, 2.1. 91). 
Van Der Bo-vi-f. Jillistj^>, 100 
Van Der Boyart, llarmanu.s Franse, 

100. 
Van Der Bogart, Harmon Mynderse, 

98. 
Van Der Bogert, Margaret, 100. 
Van Der Bogert, Maria, 100. 
Van Der Bogei-t. Nicholas, 100. 
Van Der Bogert, Myndei-t, 99. 
Van Der Bogert, Sara, 100. 
Van Der Bogert, Takerus, 99. 
Van Der Bogert, Tjerk, 99. 



Van Der Bogert, see the remaining 
names undei- the family head, 100. 
Van Der Linde, 72. 

Van Der Volgen, Anantje, 106. 

Van Der Volgen, Class, 105. 

Van Der Volgen, Class Lourense, 53, 
74, 104. 

Van Der Volgen, Cornelus, 106. 

Van Der Volgen, Coi-nelius, 105. 

Van Der Volgen, Elizabeth, 106. 

Van Der Volgen, Xaurens, 105. 

Van Der Volgen, Neeltje, 106. 

Van Der Volgen, Nicholas, 1 05. 

Van Dei- Volgen, Peter, 106. 

Van Der Volgen, for the names, etc., 
of the numerous family, see body of 
work, consecutively stated), 106. 

Van Ditmars. Barent Jans, 52. 

Van Ditmars, Barent Jansee, 85. 

Van Ditmars, Cornells, 85. 

Van Dyck, Col. Cornelius, 37, 277, 
294. 

Van Dyck, Cornelius, 119. 

Van Dyck, Jacolms, 119. • ■ 

Van Dyck, James, 37. 

Van Dyck, for remaining names, see 
book, 120, etc. 

Van Eps, Anna, 72. 

Van Eps, Dan'l, 79. 

Van Eps, Dirk, 26. 

Van Eps, Elizabeth, 72, 79. 

Van Eps, Evert, 77. 

Van Eps, Jacob, 50. 

Van Eps, Jan, 209. 

Van Eps, Johannes, 71. 

Van Eps, John, 41. 

Van Eps, John Baptist, 26, 27, 37, 68, 
72, 211. 

Van Eps, John Dicksie, 26. 

Van Eps, Maria, 72. 

Van Eps, Sara, 72. 

Van Guysling, Anna Maria, 79. 

Van Guysling Caleb, 78. 

Van Guysling, Cornelius, 49, 78. 

Van Guysling, Ellas, 78. 

Van Guysling Elias. 2d. 79. 

Van Guysling. J;icob, 78. 

Van Guysling. .lacnniytje, 78. 

Van Guysling, Mymlert, 78. 

Van Guysling, Peter, 78. 

Van Guysling, Peter, 2d, 79. 

Van Hock, Bononi, 104. 

Van Hock, Gerretje, 104. 

Van Horn, James E., 215. 

Van Horn, William J., 215. 

Van Ingen, Abraham, 214. 

Van Ingen, Dirk, and his descend- 
ants, 184. 

Van Isselstyne, Cornelius, .52, 78. 



345 



Van Isselstyne, Martin Cornelisse, 73, 

78. 
Van Mark en, Jan Gei-ritse, 89. 
Van Ness, Cornelius, 26. 
Van Olinda, Dan'l, 47, 52. 
Van Olinda, Jacob, 47, 52. 
Van Olinda, Mathias, 47, 52. 
Van Olinda, Peter Danielse, 9, 47, 

62. 
Van Patten, Aaron, 279. 
Van Patten, Aeffie, 52, 73. 
Van Patten, Andi'eas, 73. 
Van Patten, Catalyntje, 74. 
Van Patten, Class Frederickse, 64, 

73, 78. 
Van Patten, Debora, 66, 74. 
Van Patten, Gertrude, 74. 
Van Patten, John, 279. 
Van Patten, Nicholas, 52, 73. 
Van Rensselaer, Jeremiah, 22. 
Van Rensselaer, John, 31. 
Van Renssehier, Killian, 25, 39. 
Van Rensselaer, Maria, 40. 
Van Shicktenhoi-st, Brandt, 6. 
Van Slyck, Adam, 66. 
Van Slyck, Adam, 2d, 68. 
Van Slyck, Adrian, 67, 226, 227. 
Van Slyck, Albert, 67. 
Van Slyck, Annatje, 67. 
Van Slyck, Ariantje, 68. 
Van Slyck, Anthony, 66, 227. 
Van Slyck, Anthony H., 66. 

Van Slyck, Clara, 67. 

Van Slyck, Coi-nelius, 66, 277. 

Van Slyck, Cornelius, 2d, 66. 

Van Slyck, Coi-neliu-s, 3d, 67. 

Van Slyck. Cornelius, 4th, 67. 

Van Slyck, Antonsen, 9, 10, 46. 

Van Slyck, Daniel, 227. 

Van Slyck, Elizalieth, 67. 

Van Slyck, Gertrude, 67. 

Van Slyck, Harmon, 66.^^ 

Van Slyck, Harmanus, 66. 

Van Slyck, Harmanus, 2d, 66, 67. 

Van Slyck, Harmanus, 3d, 68. 

Van Slyck, Harmanus, 4th, 68. 

Van Slyck, Hellena, 6S. 

Van Slyck, Hendrick, 66. 

Van Slyck, Hillitie, 46, 62. 

Van Slyck, Jacob, 68, 212. 

Van Slyck, Col. Jacobus, 56, 67. 

Van Slyck, James, 66. 

Van Slvck. Jacciues Cornelise, 9, 1 
14. 26, 32, 44, 47, 58, 63, 66, 209. 

Van Slyck, Jacques, 46. 

Van Slyck, Leash, 46. 

Van Slyck, Major . 

Van Slyck, Marg-aret. 66, 68. 

Van Sl'vck, Martin, 68. 



Van Slyck, Martin Manierse, 10, 44, 

46. 
Van Slyck, Peter, 67. 
Van Slyck, Petrus, 68. 
Van Slyck, Susanna, 68. 
Van Santvoord, Rev. Cornehus, 56. 
Van Valkenburcfh, Isaac, 141. 
Van Valkenburgh, Isaac, Jr., 141. — 
Van Valkenbtirgh, Teunise Duckie, 

52. 
Van Velson, Swear (Ahasueras) Tu- 

nise, 9,32, 44, 209, 225. 
Van Vorst, Abrahm A., 215. 
Van Vorst, Dirk, 226. 
Van Vorst, Gillis, 126. 
Van Vorst, Jacobus, 126. 
Van Vorst, John, 126. 
Van Vorst (for the numerous family 

see), 126, etc. 
Van Vranken, Bychert, 58, 144. 
Van Vranken, Class Geri-itse, 142. 
Van Vranken, Geri-it Class, 142. 
Van Vranken, Gerrit, house of, 143. 
Van V]-anken (for the extensively 

numerous family see), 143, etc. 
Vedder, Albert, 37, 70. . 
Vedder, Alexander M., 70, 215. 
Vedder, Anna, 70. 

Vedder, Arent, 70. 

Vedder, Benj. V. S., 215. 

Vedder, Corset, 53, 70. 

Vedder, Daniel, 60, 70. 

Vedder, Harmanus, 42, 67, 69. 

Vedder, Harmon, 145. 

Vedder, Harmon Albertse, 69. 

Vedder, Jacob, 70. 

Vedder, Johannes, 70. 

Veeder, Annatse, 41. 

Veeder, Annatje, 41. 

Veeder, Cornelius, 40. 

Veeder, Debora, 43. 

Veeder, Engeltie, 41, 43. 

Veeder, Folica, 43. 45. 

Veeder, Gerret, 40, 213. 

Veeder, Gerret S., 217, 287. 

Veeder, Gertrude, 43. 

Veeder, Hellena, 41. 

Veeder, Helmus, 40. 

Veeder, Hendricus, 40. 

Vpeder, John, and his children, 43. 

Veeder, John F. D., 213. 

Veeder, Magdalina, 44. 

Veeder, Maria, 43. 

Veeder, Myndert, 43. 

Veeder, Naeltie, 40. 

Veeder, Nicholas, 279. 

Veeder, Peter, 40, 67. 

Veeder, Peter Symonse. 6<. 

Veeder, Simon, 40, 43, 214. 



14(3 



INDEX. 



Veeder, Simon A., 213. 

Veeder, Simon Volckertsen, 9, 40, 43. 

Veeder, Volckert, and his children, 

43. 
Veeder, Wilhehnus, 40. 
Victory, John, 213. 
Viele, Aei'noiit Cornelise, 6.5. 
Viele, Cornelius, Sen'r, 52, 78. 
Viele, Cornelius Cornelisse, 2(5. 64, 73. 
Viele, Marifi, wife of Dowe Aukes, 65. 
Viele, Nicholas, 54. 
Visscher, Cathriiia, 168. 
Visscher, Col. Frederick, 40, 168, 

233, 273. 
Visscher, Gertrude, 168. 
Visschei-, Harman, 71, 168. 
Visschei-, Harman, Ji-., 168. 
Visscher, Hesther, 167. 
Visscher, John, 168. 
Visschei", Capt. John, 168. 
Viss'-.her, John, Jr., 168. 
Visscher, Margaret, 168, 173. 
Visscher. Mai-ia, 16S. 
Visscher, Nicholas, 167. 
Van der Volgen, Laurens Class, 71, 

72. 73. 
Vrooman, Adam an (extraordinary 

man), 66. 89, 210, 220, 223. 
Vrooman, Adam, residence of, 59, 

223. 
Vrooman, Angelica, 223. 
Vrooman, Rev. Bai-ant, 60. 
Vrooman, Barant H., 32. 
Vrooman, Hendrick Meese, 89. 
Vrooman, Isaac, 60, 68, 211, 212. 
Vi-ooman, Johannes J., 66. 
Vi'ooman, John, 89. 
Vrooman, John Hendi-ickse, 43. 
Vrooman, Laurance, 213, 216. 
Vrooman house at Brandywine Mill, 

66. 
Vrooman, remaining names, see 92. 

Walker. James. 208. 213, 250. 
Walton, .lolmnthaii. 217, 2,")0. 
Wnsliiim-t<,ii, (icii'l (l.'orge, 31, 273. 
Washington sti'cct. 19. 
Wasson, Thomas, 279. 
Wells, John, 293. 



Wemp, Alida, 45. 
Wemp, Altie, 45. 
Wemp, Anna, 32, 45. 
Wemj), Barent, 45. 
Wemp, Jan Barentse, 9, 32, 73. 
Wemp, John, 33. 
Wemp, Myndert, 44, 210. 
Wemp, Myndei't Barentse, 33. 
Wemple, Abraham, 68, 273, 279. 
Wemple, Jan Barentsie, 62. 
Wemple, Myndert, 62. 
Wendell, Deboi-a, 44. 
Wendell, Harmanus, 31. 
Wendell, Capt. Johannes, 50. 
Wendell, John Baptist, and his de- 
scendants, 180. 
Wendell, Sai-ah, 38. 
Wessels, Arent, 173. 
Wessels, Harmanus, 173. 
Wessels, Jacoba, 173. 
Wessels, Wessels, 173. 
White, William, house of, 275. 
Willett, Marinus, 213. 
Willett, Col. Marinus, 237. 
Wilson, James, 275. 
Winter, Bastian Be, 51. 
Wyck, Isaac, 250. 

Yates, Henry, 152, 212, 214. 215. 
Yates, Isaac Glen, 150. 
Yates, Joseph, the ancestor, 149. 
Yates, Joseph, son of Robert, 149, 

292. 
Yates, Joseph C, 214, 215, 293. 
Yates, John, 215. 
Yates, Hon. John Van Ness, 150, 

292. 
Yates, Nicholas, 32, 150. 
Yates, Peter B., 215. 
Yates Robert, 149. 
Yates, Robert, son of Joseph C.Yates, 

2d, 151. 
Yates, Robert, Chief-Justice, etc., 

149. 
Yates, Robei-t, for the families of, see 

149. 
Younglove, Moses, M. D., 239. 

Zebel, Anna Eliza, 81. 



